Tag Archives: Coach Cutcliffe

Duke Football

Duke Football lands a highly rated OLB in the Class of 2010

olaniyan_aramide_200x255During a recent press conference designed to kick off Spring Football, Duke Coach David Cutcliffe ended the session talking about recruiting.  "It's the best response we've got since being here.  It's never a dull moment in recruiting, it's every single day," said the second-year coach when asked how things were going with the 2010 class.

Duke was set to take to the football field the next day, but it was clear that the staff was working just as hard off the field.  "You go out there (practice) tomorrow and coach ball but when we come back in the first thing we are going to do is start recruiting.  That's the first thing we do as a staff in the meeting every day," said Cutcliffe.

It just so happens that Duke had a young man attend that opening practice, named Aramide Olaniyan.  The budding high school standout liked what he saw, not only in practice but on campus.

Olaniyan is about 6'-2" and weighs in near 200 pounds.  He plays his high school football for Woodberry Forest School in Woodberry, Virginia.  Olaniyan has been featured in Sports Illustrated's "In the Crowd" and is on the ESPNU Top 150 Watch List.

Once he returned home, he talked over the visit with his parents and after Duke defeated Texas on the hardwood, he called Zac Roper to say Duke was the place for him and that he wanted to commit.

He later talked to Coach Cutcliffe and was comfortable with the entire Duke staff during their recent "Junior Day."  Olaniyan had wanted to give his verbal before leaving Durham but was encouraged to think it over and make sure which he did.

Academics played a strong role on his decision as did the availability to come in and compete right away at his position, which will likely be outside linebacker.

The Duke verbal recorded 60 tackles, 27 for losses and 13 sacks as a junior.

Olaniyan had offers from Auburn, Boston College, Michigan, Pitt, Stanford, Tennessee, UCLA and Wake Forest.

Duke Football

Cutcliffe quotes from Duke Football signing day – Part I

Cut Quotes -

Kudo's to fans -

I think this is a great start to the 2009 year.  Our fan base is significant in recruiting.  These kids came officially or unofficially to ball games and felt and sensed the enthusiasm surrounding Duke Football.

On High School coaches -

This has been the most enjoyable year I have had dealing with high school coaches.  We disrupt his day and are on the

David Cutcliffe has the support of AD Kevin White and talks of the excitment surrounding Duke Football. That excitment is now being felt on the recruiting trail. Photo copyright BDNP
David Cutcliffe has the support of AD Kevin White and talks of the excitment surrounding Duke Football. That excitment is now being felt on the recruiting trail. Photo copyright BDNP

phones with him constantly and they are unselfish concerning the young men that play for him.

On in state LOI's -

There are nine players out of this class from the state of North Carolina and their coaches have been awesome.

Emphasis -

What I call the emphasis of this class was on speed and skill and what I call size and skill.  What I mean by that is it's an emphasis on movement, and emphasis on being able to move your feet.  Football is a game of movement and collision.  When identifying football players, they show that.  If they can't run and hit then they don't belong at this level.

Balance of Class -

Our class is balanced - four defensive linemen and four offense lineman and the rest we have listed at backs.   We have our reason for listing them that way because anything can happen, you're not sure where they'll end up.  A large group of linebackers which was an emphasis for us - great balance and tons of speed.

On looking for discipline -

We looked for disciplined and conditioning.  I don't like poorly conditioned players and the programs they came from many of them competed for state championships.  They're disciplined young men from disciplined families.  I really pay attention to the conditioning level.  We are asking them to pick that up a notch now that they are in our fold and I expect him to do that.  Most importantly, some great people.  I'm excited and appreciative of what we've done.  There is a board upstairs and it's easy to write there names on the board, but it took a lot of work by a lot of people to get to that point.  We had 27 names and got all of them.

On how the staff has been received -

You would be shocked at the reception we got.  The energy and enthusiasm surrounding Duke Football has carried over.  Hey, we go into Central Florida and people are saying congratulations, yall are back.  We go to New Jersey and hear the same thing ... Detroit, Michigan and California.  I probably owe Mike Krzyzewski thanks because he makes everybody in the sports world aware of Duke.

More on in state recruiting -

We are doing a pretty extensive study and the teams with success recruit well within a 200 mile radius.  We are going to recruit North Carolina very had and North Carolina is very worthy of being recruited.  There's a lot of good football players that will be 2010 and 2011 graduates.

**We'll bring you part II shortly.  Stay tuned for more coverage on the class of 2009 for Duke Football

Duke Football

Are you ready for some football? Questions answered –

"Are you ready for some football?"  Those were the first words heard when Coach David Cutcliffe addressed the media to open last season.  A few months later, Duke finished with four wins which tied the total of victories from the prior four years combined.  They were competative and improved and it was indeed the start of the dawn of a new day.

If you think it's been quiet around the football offices in the Yoh Center you are right.  That's because the staff has been out in force on the recruiting trail and they're literally recruiting as I type.  But when in thier offices, they are already working hard and preparing for the 2009 season.

This past weekend, the program celebrated the past during the Annual Football Banquet where Michael Tauliliili won the MVP award the same day he won that same award in the East-West Shrine Bowl All Star game.

While Duke may have celebrated the past, the future was very much on the staffs mind.  Duke welcomed four incoming prospects for their official visits and had a top recruit in town to check out the campus and meet with the coaches.

You already know of the four freshman that enrolled for the spring semester and if you don't go to our archives.  What you may not realize is that the four will be counted in with last seasons class which consisted of 17 players.  That means Duke has created some openings.  At this time, Duke has 26 verbals.

Here are the answers to some burning question and a run down of the very latest happenings around the football program for fans of the Blue Devil Nation -

Who visited this weekend?

Taylor Sowell (6-0, 174, Dorman, S.C.) projects as a cornerback and he happens to be a high school teammate of South Carolina Shrine Bowl MVP, Walt Canty (5-10, 165) who also plays in the secondary.

Also, in town was Desmond Scott, a local player who attended Durham Hillside.  Scott is a 5-9, 177 running back.  Scott was joined by August Campbell, a 6-2 190 player who plays for Christ School in Arden, N.C.  Campbell projects in the secondary as well.

Who was the top prospect that visited?

That would be Mike Marry, a 6-3, 220 middle linebacker/tight end.  Duke has had their in homes with the prospect and he was on campus this past weekend.  He speaks highly of Duke defensive coordinator Mike McIntyre and many feel it will come down to Mississippi or Duke.

When is the Annual Duke Football Spring Game slated?

The game will take place on April the 18th at 1:30.  Be there!

Is the team working out?

Harder than ever.  The team lifts weights Monday, Wednesday and Friday and they run on Tuesday and Thursday.

Will our staff return intact?

At this time it certainly looks as if Duke will retain the entire staff, but there were overtures made with no less than five of the coaches.

Any additions to the staff?

James Mitchell from Tennessee joins the staff and he comes highly regarded.   He even has a championship ring from Coach Pat Summitt from his work in Knoxville.  In fact he worked with the football and basketball programs in Knoxville.   He will have many duties and we'll share those with you in an article which is coming soon.

What about stadium improvements?

Duke is addressing the bathroom situation and one concession stand for next season.  The next phase will be improvements to the Yoh Center and practice facilities then they'll goback to Wallace Wade.

Is the roster out yet?

Yes it is out at GoDuke.com.

How did the awards banquet go?

Here you go!

Will there be position changes?

You betcha.  They are being discussed by the staff.

Is the schedule out?

Not at this time.  There are three ACC teams that are still seeking a 12th game and once that is resolved, the ACC will make the announcement.

I'm a high school football player and I want to go to the Duke Football Spring Clinic, when is it?

It will be held on March 26 and 27.  Give the football office a call and they'll give you all the details.

Do you know the dates for the Duke Football Camp?

Yep!  The camp will be held on successive weekends June 13 and June 20th.  Again, contact the football office for details.

Is the twelfth game set?

It will almost certainly be North Carolina Central which will be a first for the Durham community.  Look for them to come in the fourth game of the season.  Duke will use this as an opportunity to reach out to Durham and the surrounding community.

What are we playing two division 2 opponents?

Some are making this out to be unusual, but if you take a look at Clemson, Florida State and Maryland's schedule this past season, there is two and this trend will continue.

Why can't we play a division one school?

Several reasons, mainly finding someone who is available.  Then there is the going asking rate of up to $900,000 for an opponent and in this current economy the numbers tell the tale.

Will have a coke with Coach Cut return?

Yes it will.  The Duke staff is hard at work to identify new opportunities to get fans interested as well.  Blue Devils Night will also return.

What have they learned from last season?

Funny you should ask, because they are addressing what worked and what didn't with concerns to game day experiences and promotions.   There will be a refined game day experience and the Blue Devil Walk will return.  The staff will make an effort to get more students to the games and fans in general.  Duke prefers to play games between 3:30 and 7:00 when at home for studies show they are better attended than noon starts which are sometimes necessary due to T.V.  They recognize that the student tailgate gets up to 1200 attendees and that many don't make it over to the game.  They will work on the rest of the student body in the coming year.

Is Cutcliffe here to stay?

Well, he signed a contract extension and he is determined to build Duke into a solid football program.

What are the four F's that so many within the program speak of?

That would be faith, family, future and football.

When will season tickets go on sale?

Good question.  I'll work on that one.  Duke sold more tickets last season than ever before.  Check back soon on this one and more off season news.

Duke Football

Duke Football Coach David Cutcliffe gets a contract extension

[private] 
DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke head football coach David Cutcliffe has signed a two-year extension that pushes his current contract through the 2015 season, Vice President and Director of Athletics Kevin White announced on Sunday.
 
Terms of the contract will not be released.
 
"Coach Cutcliffe has clearly established himself as an elite player within the entire college football coaching community," White said.  "Without question, David is one of

Cutcliffe spends time with his youngest daughter during his initial signing day
Cutcliffe spends time with his youngest daughter during his initial signing day

the premier coaches in the country.  Not surprisingly, in a relatively short period of time, David has implanted his strong and determined leadership all over the Duke football program.

"David has hired a phenomenal staff, and the efforts of the coaches have already paid dividends both on and off the field," continued White.  "To be sure, David's unqualified commitment to the comprehensive development of the student-athlete, as well as to the mission of this highly unique University, underscores the fact that this is indeed yet another great day for Duke!"
 
"David Cutcliffe is a great coach, a great teacher and a great citizen of the University and the community," said Duke President Richard H. Brodhead.  "He and his team have restored confidence and excitement in Duke football, and I look forward to his leadership on the field for a long time to come."
 
Hired on December 15, 2007, Cutcliffe guided the Blue Devils to a 4-8 record this past season -- equaling the victory total from Duke's previous four seasons combined -- while facing the second-toughest schedule in the nation and competing in the top conference in the country according to the Sagarin Ratings.  The Blue Devils faced 10 bowl eligible teams along with the top-ranked FCS team in James Madison.
 
"I am grateful to Dr. Brodhead and Kevin for their confidence in our staff as we build on something really special here at Duke," Cutcliffe said.  "As I have said many times

Cutcliffe and his youngest daughter
Cutcliffe and his youngest daughter

over the past year, Duke is a fantastic place with outstanding people, and we are thrilled to be a part of this institution."
 
Under Cutcliffe's direction, Duke showed significant improvement in all three phases in 2008.  On offense, Duke bettered its totals in total offense (+32.7), rushing offense (+42.2) and sacks allowed (-23) from the previous campaign while quarterback Thaddeus Lewis and wide receiver Eron Riley both earned All-ACC honors.  The defensive unit was led by All-America linebacker Michael Tauiliili and All-ACC defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase as the Blue Devils made marked improvement in scoring defense (-9.8), total defense (-67.4), rushing defense (-28.7) and passing defense (-38.7) and held three opponents to less than 10 points for the first time since 1976.
 
After making a combined seven-of-22 (.318) field goal attempts over the 2006-07 seasons, Blue Devil kickers booted 13-of-18 (.722) field goal attempts in 2008, posting the highest field goal success rate in a single-season at Duke since 1998.  Nick Maggio (28-of-28) became just the third kicker in Duke history to make 25 or more PATs without a miss in a single season while punter Kevin Jones ranks third in the ACC in punting (40.8 avg.).
 
In addition, Duke saw an increase of 60 percent in season ticket sales for 2008 and had four home crowds of 30,000 or more fans for the first time in school history.  Duke's average home attendance of 28,727 in 2008 was the largest since 1994.[/private]

Duke Football

Seniors represent Duke one more time – Akinbiyi. Roland and Riley interviews

[private]When Duke steps onto the field against UNC tomorrow, several seniors will be playing

Senior Class
Senior Class

their last game at Duke.  These players deserve your support, so I hope that all of you turn out in force and cheer hard for you know the other guys will.

In the end, this senior class fought with a new coach to see to it that Duke Football has a base for the future.  The Blue Devil Nation salutes the Duke Senior Class for 2008 and hopes they go out with a fabulous win.

Greg Akinyibi (#5 Sr., DE) -

On North Carolina -

Last year losing in overtime ... you don't want to lose to Carolina.  Now we have something we really look forward to ... playing Carolina again - it doesn't get any better than that.  There's a whole much more adrenaline for the UNC game.  It's a rivalry game.  If you can't get up for this one it's no since in coming to play for Duke.  This game carries a lot of weight.

Regardless of who starts at quarterback for them, it's pretty much the same game plan because they are both really good.

On his final game at Duke -

We were really excited when Coach came in to have a chance to change the program and start something special here.  It's unfortunate it took us this long to start winning, but it's really good to see the program heading in the right direction - to see the guys behind us take what we help build to another level.

Being seniors it's unfortunate that we can't go to a bowl game, but we will focus on Duke and what Duke needs to do to win this weekend.

On work habits -

It feels good to see the hard work you put in in the off season in summer and camps pay off.  Coach tells us to empty our tank and go farther than we thought was possible.

On his Duke career -

My career at Duke has played a big role in my maturity.  I've been through a lot on and off the field.  I'm still not satisfied with who I am as a man or a player, but there has been a lot of growth.  I really appreciate what Duke has had to offer me and I've gained a lot from the experience.

Fred Roland (#70 Sr., OL)-

Whatever I could do and whatever capacity that might carry to make this program better than it a was when I came in was key.  I was willing to do that.  Coach Cut tells us to leave the place better than you found it.  My biggest reward since I have been here was the character I've developed over the four years. 

Are you leaving the program better than it was?

We've already done that!  To get a victory this weekend would be the icing on the cake.  We won a total of four games before this year and we've already eclipsed that this season.  We've definitely got it going.  The program is progressing upward and that's comforting to me.

Eron Riley (#5, Sr., WR) -

So, your last game at Duke ...

It's a bittersweet feeling.  Granted I wish we were in a bowl game but we are not.  Going our their against our rival ... there will be a lot of intensity - playing for a lot of pride.

On the Carolina game -

To come out for any game is really intense, but they're eight miles away.  It's one where all the fans have circled the game for us.  The atmosphere and the hype of that game make it different.

We'll go over there to a party and we'll see some of those guys out.  For the most part we're friendly.  Me personally, I do not have too many fans on there team, bit we say hi.  I just go about my business.

We've played close with them, but that's only good for hand grenades and horseshoes (smiling), so we want to go out and get a "W" before I leave.

It was a very bad feeling last year - one I had to get out of my mouth real fast.  I really wish we'd have won, but it didn't turn out for us.  I've thought about that since our last game, hopefully we can get it back this weekend.

On last season missed field goal (s) to win vs UNC -

I was on my way across the sidelines.  I got to the numbers before I saw the miss and went back to the sidelines.

On his four years at Duke -

Coming in four years ago, I really wasn't a highly recruited player.  I just wanted to play football but played a lot due to injuries my freshman year.  After that the snowball just got rolling and I just went out there to make plays and help my team.

I feel at the end of the day, we came in here wanting to start a program and in my time here I feel like we've done that.  If we win our last game this weekend we've accomplished that goal.

I look at the plays I made on my high school team and the plays I've made in college and realize I've gotten a lot better on and off the field.

Suppose you get a shot at UNC late.  Do you feel like the team needs to go for the end zone and not depend on a field goal?

Yes.  I would love to make that play.  It doesn't matter to me as long as we win.  This is our bowl game - I feel that way.  There is some urgency with it being our last game.  To close out with a "W" helps with so many things. 

On the big game falling on the Thanksgiving break and students gone and anticipation -

Carolina is a game you think about from the start of the season, or at least know it's there.  At the beginning of the season, you look at the first game and the last.  I wish it didn't fall on the break with the students gone.  I hope some are sticking around for it or come back early.

[/private]

Duke Football

Duke looking to win back-to-back road games

[private]

Duke travels to Winston-Salem this Saturday for an afternoon showdown with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons. Wake enters the game as a 7.5 point favorite despite coming off back-to-back losses to Maryland and Miami. The Demon Deacons have lost three of their last four games after opening the season with three victories. Wake Forest has been ranked as high as number 15 in the USA Today poll this season, but fell out of the top 25 after their Week 8 loss to Maryland. Duke will be attempting to win back-to-back road games for the first time since the 1994 season.

Both teams enter the game with four wins and three losses, and they have played two common opponents: Navy and Miami. Duke beat Navy, 41-31, in Durham, while Wake Forest lost, 24-17, at home in Winston-Salem. Both teams lost to Miami. Duke dropped a 49-31 decision at home, while Wake Forest lost, 16-10, in Coral Gables. In discussing the game, Duke Coach David Cutcliffe said, "The challenges continue to get bigger – we’re playing a Wake Forest team that’s very talented, a very experienced team. They can beat you a lot of ways, they can beat you with their defense, they can beat you with their kicking game, and they can certainly beat you with their offense."

Wake Forest is struggling on offense and is currently last in the ACC in scoring at 17.4 points per game. The Demon Deacons are ranked 10th in total offense averaging 303.7 yards per game. Like Duke, they have struggled to run the football. Wake is 10th in rushing offense averaging 109 yards per game on the ground. Over their first six games, Wake Forest ran out of the spread offensive set, but against Miami they shifted to the Power I and rushed the ball 52 times for 195 yards. Tailback Josh Adams ran for a career high 111 yards on 21 carries. This complicates Duke's defensive preparation for the game as they must be prepared to defend both offensive sets on Saturday.

The Wake Forest players held a players only meeting this week to discuss the recent tough losses and ensure everyone was focused toward the five remaining games. At Tuesday’s press conference, Coach Jim Grobe discussed the meeting, "Our seniors are running out of time. We’ve got five games left. I think they feel a little bit of pressure right now to perform down the stretch." Coach Grobe also discussed the spread offense saying it hurt them against Navy and Maryland, and then stated the offense wasn’t diverse enough in the loss to Miami. "A little bit of balance would be good."

Duke has allowed opponents to score 21.1 points per game while gaining 341 yards. They have given up an average of 193 yards through the air and 148 on the ground per game. Duke’s defense gave up over 200 yards on the ground to Georgia Tech (224) and Navy (207), but was much stingier in their other five games by allowing an average of 122 yards rushing per game. Shutting down Wake’s rushing game will be a priority so Duke can win the Time of Possession battle and keep the defense rested and effective through the Fourth Quarter.

Linebackers Michael Tauiliili and Vincent Rey are number one and three in the ACC, respectively, for tackles. They will need big games this weekend to ensure the Demon Deacons continue to struggle offensively. Duke has 11 interceptions on the year but injuries are starting to take a toll on the secondary. Leon Wright aggravated a hamstring problem against Vanderbilt and Lee Butler is banged up. Defensive end Ayanga Okpokowuruk recorded two quarterback sacks in the Vanderbilt game and he and the rest of the defensive line are going to have to apply pressure to Wake Forest Quarterback Riley Skinner. Duke has recorded 13 sacks on the season.

Duke has struggled in the Red Zone this year and must improve in this area to be successful in November. Over the first seven games of the season, Duke is last in the ACC in red zone offense scoring 18 times out of 29 opportunities. Coach Cutcliffe has stated this team will be defined by their performance in November and if Duke is going to win games against ACC opponents in November they must take better advantage of scoring opportunities. Last week Duke blocked a punt and took possession on Vanderbilt’s 13 yard line and ended up with zero points after a missed field goal. Earlier in the game, Michael Tauiliili intercepted a pass in Vanderbilt territory, but Duke failed to convert the turnover into points.

In an earlier interview with Blue Devil Nation, Duke Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis discussed the game, "I think consistency and execution will be the key in this game and the team that has the fewest mistakes will win." It might be more accurate to say the team that takes advantage of their opponent’s mistakes will win.[/private]