BDN caught up to Duke Defensive Backs Ross Cockrell and Tony Foster earlier this week to get their thoughts on football and the big game against Virginia this weekend -
Duke DB’s Ross Cockrell and Tony Foster talk UVA Game
Tag Archives: Duke Football coverage
BDN goes 1 on 1 with Duke star Conner Vernon
Duke Football is hitting the field earlier than most schools for spring practice and most of the players are ready to go. BDN went one on one with the Blue Devils star wide receiver Conner Vernon who is coming off an injury but you would never know it talking to him.
Brandon Connette will have an expanded role in 2011
Duke Football will run two different packages this season when on offense and Brandon Connette is looking forward to showing off his improved passing skills. Connette, of course, is known as a runner and he is not afraid of contact and perhaps even invites it. Connette recently took a vicious hit from Matt Daniels in practice and many on lookers wondered if he'd been knocked out for the season. Not Connette. He's doing just fine and looking forward to suiting up against Richmond in the Blue Devils home opener this Saturday.
You took a brutal shot from Matt Daniels in a recent scrimmage. It looked concerning at the time. How are you feeling now?
It feels fine now and I have been going full speed and through the contact drills, so it is not an issue.
You have a very aggressive style of play and love running the football. As a quarterback, how do you compensate to protect your body?
Yeah, I mean, I am not looking to save my body and when I am in the game it is sometimes like third and short and you just have to lower your shoulder and get that first down. As far as my body, I will never shy away from a hit and just take it on.
Coach Cutcliffe has said he'll run two packages on offense. What can we expect when Brandon Connette is on the field this season?
I think you can expect more than you could from last season. Last year, I for the most part just ran the ball and we were successful with it, but not as much so if I were ready to throw the ball, This year, I am a lot farther ahead as a passing quarterback so it will definitely expand the package.
Duke has dropped their last two outings at home against Richmond, is that something that gets the team up for the game?
The last two games against Richmond? We're not looking at that. We are looking at the team we'll play this Saturday. They have a good ball club, no doubt about it. There is a reason they are at the top of their league every year. If we can execute the way we want to, we'll come out ahead.
As fans meet the 2010 Blue Devils, Cutcliffe exclaims “It’s personal now.”
DURHAM - The Duke Football team held their annual Meet the Blue Devils Day Saturday afternoon in Wallace Wade Stadium as fans turned out to get an up close and personal look at this years team. After a two hour practice the Duke players gathered on the Wade concourse to sign 2010 posters for fans.
Despite a 4:00 start fans started arriving as early as 2:45 to catch the action possibly because last years event was canceled due to a the swine flu breakout. Local radio stations were there for the event and as always posters ans schedule magnets were free of charge.
After Cutcliffe addressed the media below, the third year coach headed up top where he addressed the crowd calling the 2000 plus who were there family. Cutcliffe is serious too in that all you have to do is want to be a part of football to be accepted.
The hardcore fans in attendance took advantage of opportunities to take photos and talk with current players who also enjoyed the event. But is was one Cutcliffe statement top the crowd which stood out the most. "It's personal now," said Cutcliffe in a serious tone meaning that his staff and team would work until they get to where they want to be, doubters be darned.
It's clear to see that the football team is more organized than ever which is a testament to a fine staff and the Blue Devils continue to recruit better players than in years past. And if you want to support this group of hard working young men, then come on out and join in next years festivities for you will surely be welcomed.
But most of you probably do not want to wait until then, so turn out in force for the home opener against Elon to show your support for all the hard work and dedication this group is putting forth. Season tickets are now sold out but individual tickets remain for all but the Alabama game but keep your hopes up for there is the possibility that they may bring in additional bleachers at the top of Wallace Wade for that game.
We will have a photo gallery up shortly from Meet the Blue Devils Day and interviews with Coach Cutcliffe, Conner Vernon and Duke's Durham Hillside connection, Corey Gattis and Desmond Scott. Bookmark BDN now for coverage of the Duke Football beat.
You must be logged in to post a comment.