Category Archives: Duke Football

Duke Football

Around the ACC: Football Practice Reports

Thaddeus Lewis red jerseyKick-off to the college football season is just around the corner with practice in full swing including intrasquad scrimmages. Blue Devil Nation takes a tour around ACC newspapers to see what is being reported about the teams on this season's schedule:

Virginia Tech is searching for a starting running back after losing Darren Evans to a torn ACL. Evans rushed for 1,265 yards last season. Duke will host the Hokies on October 3 in the first of eight straight ACC games after starting the season against four non-conference foes.

NC State scrimmaged on Thursday but Coach Tom O'Brien isn't releasing statistics. However, posts on Twitter state QB Russell Wilson threw two touchdown passes. You gotta love Twitter. LB Nate Irving will miss the season due to serious injuries suffered in a car accident. On the other side of the injury coin, the Wolfpack will see the return of running back Toney Baker who has missed the last two seasons with a knee injury.  Duke travels to Raleigh on October 10.

The Baltimore Sun reports Maryland is loaded with speed at the wide receiver position and Coach Ralph Friedgen isn't happy with what he perceives as a lack of respect from the media. The offensive and defensive line could be trouble spots for the Terps due to inexperience. This scrimmage report quotes Coach Friedgen as saying the Terps are way ahead on defense. The defense recorded 11 sacks, which should raise some eyebrows about the offensive line. Duke will host Maryland on October 24.

The Charlottesville Daily Progress reports the Virginia coaching staff is focusing on making progress one day at a time over evaluating the pecking order at individual positions. New Offensive Coordinator Gregg Brandon is installing the spread offense he employed as Bowling Green's coach the past six years. The Richmond Times-Dispatch has this report on the situation. The Cavaliers will also be looking to score points via special teams and the defense. Last year they scored only one non-offensive touchdown all season. Duke travels to Charlottesville on October 31 to face a team they beat 31-3 last season.

North Carolina is suddenly thin on the offensive line after left tackle Carl Gaskins tore his ACL in practice last week. Coach Butch Davis discusses the offensive line situation, depth at cornerback, and other topics, in this interview. Carolina has not scrimmaged to date. The News & Observer has a nice article posted on backup QB Mike Paulus. Duke travels to Chapel Hill on November 7.

In Atlanta, backup QB Jaybo Shaw broke his collarbone during Saturday's 11 on 11 drill. Shaw played in seven games last season including a start against Duke. He will be out at least six weeks and it is possible he will redshirt. This Atlanta Journal-Constitution article states the Georgia Tech passing game looks good and running back Jonathan Dwyer, last season's ACC player of the year, had a good practice on Saturday. Duke will host Georgia Tech on November 14.

Duke travels to Miami to face off against the Hurricanes on November 21. There were no significant practice reports in either the Miami Herald or the Sun-Sentinel.

The Winston-Salem Journal says Wake Forest QB Riley Skinner looked like the veteran he is in the team's first scrimmage. Skinner spread the ball around as he completed 12 - 16 passess for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Duke closes the season at home against the Demon Deacons on November 28.

Duke Football

Cutcliffe pleased with Saturday Scrimmage

Hollingsworth and Boyette chat before Saturday's scrimmage - BDN Photo
Hollingsworth and Boyette chat before Saturday's scrimmage - BDN Photo

DURHAM, N.C. -- Quarterbacks Thaddeus Lewis, Sean Renfree and Sean Schroeder combined to complete 23-of-39 passes for 231 yards to highlight Duke's 60-play scrimmage on Saturday morning at the Brooks Practice Field on campus.

"We did a lot of good things out there today," Blue Devil head coach David Cutcliffe said following the session.  "Of course I am anxious to see the tape, but I thought we had some guys make plays on both sides of the ball.  We were able to get the young players a lot of work as we continue to evaluate their status."
Lewis, a three-year starter and second team All-ACC choice a year ago, hit on nine-of-18 throws for 96 yards while Renfree, a redshirt freshman, was 11-of-18 through the air for 120 yards including a 17-yard touchdown strike to freshman wide receiver Conner Vernon.
Vernon and fellow rookie Tyree Watkins led the receiving unit with four receptions apiece for 44 and 43 yards, respectively.

Renfree finds Vernon
Renfree finds Vernon

Sophomore Johnny Williams added three grabs for 30 yards.  On the ground, redshirt freshman Patrick Kurunwune had five attempts for 24 yards while freshman Desmond Scott carried the ball eight times for 20 yards.

Redshirt senior Re'quan Boyette, Duke's leading rusher in both 2006 and 2007 who missed last year due to injury, had five rushes for 15 yards including a one-yard touchdown.
Defensively, redshirt junior defensive end Jeremy Ringfield posted one interception and one quarterback sack while senior linebacker Vincent Rey and sophomore safety Matt Daniels each registered one tackle for loss.
Duke opens the 2009 season at home against Richmond on September 5.  Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Wallace Wade Stadium.  Tickets may be purchased online at www.GoDuke.com or by calling the Duke Athletic Ticket Office at 1-877-375-DUKE.
SCRIMMAGE STATISTICAL LEADERS
Rushing: Patrick Kurunwune 5-24; Desmond Scott 8-20; Re'quan Boyette 5-15
Passing: Sean Renfree 11-18, 120 yards, 1 TD; Thaddeus Lewis 9-18, 96 yards, 1 INT
Receiving: Conner Vernon 4-44; Tyree Watkins 4-43; Johnny Williams 3-30; Danny Parker 2-52; Austin Kelly 2-11; Desmond Scott 2-11
SCORING SUMMARY
Re'quan Boyette 1 run (Will Snyderwine kick)
Paul Asack 41 FG
Conner Vernon 17 pass from Sean Renfree (Will Snyderwine kick)
Duke Football

Duke Football Update – Abraham Kromah ready to step up

courtesy GoDuke.com
courtesy GoDuke.com

BDN chatted with Duke LB Abraham Kromah on Tuesday.  Here is that interview -

Play makers, on defense!  Do you feel like you can be a "play maker" on defense this season?

I definitely hope to.  As long as I take what the coaches give me, there is no chance you cannot be successful.  I just have to implement and do the things they harp on like watching film and studying my opponent.  They put everybody in position to make plays so it's just up to me to be accountable to my teammates and do what I have to do.

Last year Michael Tauliliili had Vincent Rey, this year Vincent Rey has?   Do you think you can be that guy?

I feel like I can do some things and I'll definitely need to just keep coming along and keep taking the coaching and we'll go from there.

Can you describe your game in your own words?

I would like to think of myself as a hard worker.  I pride myself in running to the ball and fitting in with the defense and do what I have to do.  I play to the defense run to the ball and make plays.  Just try to be as fearless as possible.

You have had two head coaches in Roof and Cutcliffe.  What was the change like for you?

It's tough to see new people come and people go, but change is sometimes necessary.  It's been part of a growing up process for me.  Everything is looking up now and we've seen improvement and what it takes to win, so it feels like everything happens for a reason.

Some people are questioning the 09  linebackers, saying there is no depth.  What do you think about that?

Every Saturday you get to go out there and prove yourself.  Better yet you go out and practice and get better.  To me, you don't want respect givent to you anyway.  You want to earn it and in that regard I feel like we need to go out there and make the plays and show everybody what we are capable of.

How important is it to you for fans and students to turn out for the opener against Richmond?

I feel like it is important.  We love the fan support.  The students ... you just hope they stay behind you and let us know they are faithful in us.  I hope fans know we are working hard every single day to give them what they want and came to see.

What is it like to see changes being made around you?  The new practice field, visitors locker room and practice facility ...  As a player do these changes mean a lot to you?

Yeah, it definitely is a plus for me.  It shows me that Coach Cutcliffe is a man of his word and what he has said so far, he's done.  If I were to make a list of tall the things he said he was going to do  ... It's all definitely been done.  We are taking the steps forward for success.

Duke Football

Coach Cutcliffe talks Duke Football at today’s media luncheon

Cutcliffe signs for fans - BDN Photo
Cutcliffe signs for fans - BDN Photo

With kickoff to the opening game with Richmond just 25 days away, Coach David Cutcliffe addressed the media this morning.  He discussed various subjects, but we'll just give you a general recap -

The freshman class - Cutcliffe was encouraged by the play of his freshman class.  In fact, towards the end of the session he stated that there would be several on the two deep chart going into the season.  "Freshman will play," said Cutcliffe who continued, "If we are going to play them, we are going to play them.  I don;t like playing a freshman and then him playing five or ten plays.  I'd prefer to redshirt a number of them and we will to some degree if we are able to, but we've got some guys already who will end up in our two deep.

Youth - The Blue Devils sport 38 true and or redshirt freshman on the roster.  There is some inexperience but the general feel is that there has been an upgrade in the type of player Duke now has on it's roster.

Full Pads - Duke dressed in full pads for the first time today.

Spirit - The players are upbeat about the coming season which Cutcliffe mentioned.  The upbeat nature was clearly evident when talking with players.

Kicking game - Nick Maggio is coming back off surgery to his face and is now getting some reps.  Cutcliffe lauded Kevin Jone punting abilities.  Jackson Anderson and Chris Shannon are battling for the long snapper job, while the aforementioned Jones leads as the holder on extra points.

Off season emphasis - The Duke players felt like conditioning is still important, but there has been a lot of work in the area of strength conditioning.  Cutcliffe wants his players to build core strength.  "Our team is just  stronger and that's not just lineman and body weight.  It's lean muscle mass.  It's Johnny Williams and Donovan Varner being able to practice all the time."

Re'quan Boyette - Cutcliffe said he looks ready to go but that he would only give him so many snaps going into the season.

Jay Hollignsworth - I love to see how he attacks people with the ball.  He's a good runner and reciever," said Cutcliffe.  He also mentioned that Boyette and Holligsworth were the starters.

Saturday scrimmage - Duke will hold a closed scrimmage this Saturday and Cutcliffe said that he wanted to separate the men's from the boys and see who wants to play.  Cutcliffe said the play calling and schemes would be basic in an effort to see which players showed they can play.

Offensive line concerns - Many questions were asked about the offensive line.  Cutcliffe was pleased with Brian Moore and said Jarrod Holt had played both the guard and tackle spots.  Pontus Bondeson has missed some reps due to injury.  "It's an area of concern and everybody should realize that," said Cutcliffe.  Conner Irwin a redshirt freshman is expected to move into the number two spot at tackle.  There is just one senior on the offensive line.

Kick return game - "I really like running backs there," said Cutcliffe. "We'll look at Re'quan Boyette and Jay Hollingsworth back there," said Cutcliffe.  "Desmond Scott may work himself into some playing time there, but no decision has been made yet."  Cutcliffe mentioned that Hollingsworth has improved his overall speed.

Punt return - Lee Butler, Leon Wright and Johnny Williams are vying for the spot.

Vinnie Rey -" He's the heart of our football team," said Cutcliffe.  Michael Tauliliili had Vinnie Rey, but who will Vinnie have?

Linebackers - "Those four freshman linebackers are good looking  prospects.  How we move forward with that will be real interesting in finding out who earns playing time," said Cutliffe after lauding his starters.  "It's a critical are for some freshman to step up for us."

We'll have more on Duke Football from Cutcliffe's last tour stop to interviews from current players this week.  BDN is the place to be for pre season football coverage.

Duke Football

BDN Interview – Duke tight end Brandon King is ready to go

Brandon King signs a poster for a fan at the Durham Rescue Mission.
Brandon King signs a poster for a fan at the Durham Rescue Mission.

Duke is looking for play makers to step up on offense in in 2009 and Brandon King hopes to be one of those guys.  King, a tight end, sat out the 2008 season while mending his collar bone but he hopes to be a factor early on for Duke.  BDN talked with King about the upcoming season, his role and more in a recent interview.

Brandon, you're coming off an injury which kept you out all of last season, are you looking forward to getting back on the field?

Oh [said with a sigh of relief and emphasis] I've been looking forward to it so much.  I've been waiting two years now, last year with a new coach here.  I've been ready to go for awhile now and it's just all bottled up.

This is probably a system where they will go to you a lot this year.  Having more depth at the tight end spot helps.  Have they talked to you about your role this year?

I'm real excited about it.  They're already talking about getting the ball to the tight ends a lot.  Me and Huff, we're ready to make a lot of plays.  In spring ball we started doing some things.  As we get more confident, they start adding a lot more stuff in and it will only grow going into camp.

You started your career as a fullback.  Do you still consider yourself a part time full back in a sense?

Yeah [smiling]

Do you feel you may be floating into the backfield as sort of a hybrid?

I definitely still consider myself a fullback part time.  I like to get in the backfield, do the dirty work and hit people hard.

So, you like to have the ball n your hands to try and create?

Yeah, yeah.  I like to do that.  I like to lead block.  I like to go through the holes on linebackers and block.  So I will be in the backfield on the I [formation], I'll be out wide, so ...

You had a nice catch for a TD in the UConn game?  Do you want to be that guy, the one in the end zone?

Oh, [emphasis on desire] definitely.  I mean I remember that year where I always seemed to be in the right place in the end zone to catch the ball.  That's my thing, I love to have the ball in my hands.  I'd much rather it be in my hands than someone else.

What kind of chemistry do you have with Thaddeus Lewis?

We're good, we're on the same page.  We do pass skills on Tuesday's and Thursdays.  We'll run a play and he will say I saw you there, so the next time I'm open, we see each other.

Describe your game in your own words.

I would say I am physical.  I like to hit, think quick on my feet.  I understand the game a whole lot more now and when I'm out there I see and react very quickly.  Um, I like to hit. [smiling]

Are you looking forward to August 5th?

Yeah, I'm ready to get the pads back on.  Spring ball was great to get out there and test my collar bone out and everything went fine.  I'm ready to get back out there and focus more on the team and football than my injury.

Have you guys circled the calendar with Richmond?

Yeah, we've been looking forward to Richmond since the last game of 08.  We are looking at schemes, calendar circled and we are talking about how we want to start the season off with a bang.

What does the new staff bring to the table?

A lot of it is confidence and a lot of it  is bringing the right people in.  Our coaching staff is unreal and it's coming together.  Everyone is stronger or faster, they've got us in unbelievable shape.

Do you see a difference with a different type of recruit on campus than in your two years under Roof?

Yeah, it is.  We just brought in a great class.  Even the guys Roof brought in were great players, but yeah, you can tell because we've got some some big time guys checking out our school with offers from other top schools.

Good luck this season!

Thanks.