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Duke Football

DL Prospect Lucas Fisher talks of his visit to Duke

It’s no secret that the Duke defense struggled in 2010 and will have to make improvements if Duke is to compete for a bowl in 2011. In order for improvements to be made, Duke will need some more depth along the defensive front, and in-state prospect Lucas Fisher hopes to be able to help. Lucas is a 6’3” 250 pound defensive end from Monroe, North Carolina. Lucas committed to the Blue Devils back in July and recently was on campus for his official visit.

BDN: Can you briefly recap your visit to Duke last weekend?

When I went down there it was just really cool to meet all the guys that I’m going to be up there with, all the players. It really solidified my decision on going there. I’d been on a visit before but not with other guys that I’m going to be there with. The guys that were already there were really inviting, just everything I saw from the facilities just says that Duke is going to be a winning program. They have all the tools. The academic support is there. It just made me feel a lot better about my decision.

 

BDN: Who were some of the other players you were able to meet while you were there?

Ryan Hall was my host, he’s a tight end on the team. I met a few other guys: Kevin Rojas, Dave Harding were a few that I met. I met a bunch of commits, a few that I’m going to be with: Kyler Brown, Carson Ginn, Britton Grier. Those were a few of the guys I met.

 

BDN: Where do you and the coaches see yourself fitting in at Duke?

They said I’m going to start at defensive end and I’ll do my best there. Coach Hobby told me I’ll start out at defensive end and could eventually move to defensive tackle, depending on how my frame turns out - if I put on weight fast or not. He wants me to be out there rushing the passer, coming off the edge. I think that will be my role - rushing the passer.

 

BDN: Were you able to follow Duke’s season and what were your thoughts on their year and where the program is headed?

I noticed that Duke was in a ton of close games this year, and they really out-physicaled a bunch of teams. For instance, in the Miami game, even though the score was like 28-14, they really dominated them on both sides of the ball, but turnovers just hurt them. I think they had 5 games that the margin was 6 points or less. They’ve really been in close games and regardless of wins or losses, it shows that they’re competitive and are this close to having a winning record and in the future hopefully an ACC Championship.

 

BDN: I know your school had a pretty good season. Can you recap your senior season for us, both for your team and yourself?

Our season was really good. At the start of the year, nobody expected us to be competitive even in the league, much less the playoffs, but we went 11-2 and won the conference championship. That was only the 3rd conference championship in our school’s 50 year history, so it was really good to hang a banner up and have something we can come back and see. On the year, I thought I had a good season, I actually got Conference Player of the Year for defense. I thought our whole defense got better the entire year and I think I got better as I got more experience.

 

BDN: What are your plans for the rest of your senior year?

Right now, I’m just trying to stay in shape. I’m actually trying to put on a little weight. I’ve been working out every since our season ended, cardio and weights. Just trying to be strong enough so that when I get there I’m not behind.

 

BDN: When can Duke fans expect to see you on campus?

I’ll start during the second session of workouts because I don’t graduate until after June 10.

 

BDN: Thanks so much, Lucas. We look forward to seeing you in Durham.

Alright, thank you.

 

Duke Football

Matt Skura talks of his official visit to Duke

L to R: Marcus Aprahamian, Cody Robinson, Coach Matt Luke, Matt Skura, Carson Ginn

Head Coach David Cutcliffe and the Blue Devils hosted a bevy of prospects for official visits this past weekend on a snowy Duke campus. Among them were four of Coach Matt Luke’s impressive offensive line prospects, including Ohio native Matt Skura. Skura is a 6’3” 265 pound offensive lineman from Columbus, who committed to the Blue Devils back in June and will compete for playing time at center in 2011.

Blue Devil Nation caught up with Matt shortly after his visit to Durham.

BDN: Can you recap your visit last weekend and describe how that went?
It was definitely a lot of fun, getting to meet all of the coaches. It was good to actually meet all of the coaches, because I’ve been mostly seeing Coach Luke. A really important thing for me during the visit was that my entire family was comfortable down there. For my mom, it was the first time that she went and she liked it a lot - that made me feel a lot more comfortable. For me, being able to go on campus with some of the other football players and seeing what the college life was, also helped me become more comfortable. I just had a great time; it was an amazing experience getting to be with all of the prospects and meeting new people, seeing all the great facilities.

BDN: Who was your host when you were there?
Conor Irwin was my host and he showed me around. I got to hang out with some of the other offensive linemen while we were there, so I got to meet a couple new people.

BDN: In speaking with some of the other offensive line commits, they’ve mentioned how you guys have stayed in touch throughout the year. How did that happen and what was it like getting to spend the weekend with them?
First I met Lucas Patrick and Cody Robinson last year at the summer camp. From there, Lucas, Cody, and I kept in touch through Facebook or just texting each other. Lucas wasn’t at the official visit this weekend when I was there, but when the other linemen spent time together we really bonded and will stay in touch, which I think is really a key. We all really get along, which to be honest, I was a little bit nervous about, because I didn’t know Marcus or Carson as well before the official visit. Getting to know them and getting to know Cody a lot more has made me more comfortable and I think in the future it will help us as well.

BDN: How much were you able to follow Duke’s season and what were your impressions?
I know they didn’t have the season they wanted, but I did get to follow their season quite a bit on the computer on espn3. They had a lot of close games, definitely ones that they should have won. I don’t think their record reflects how good a team they actually are. I think especially next year and the years to come, Coach Cutcliffe and Matt Luke have done a really good job in recruiting better athletes and building the program to one of the best in the nation. I’m really impressed with where the program is going and I’m confident that Duke is going to be a very good team.

BDN: Where do you and the coaches see you fitting in with the direction the program is headed?
Talking to Coach Luke about it, he said that I’ll be competing with Conor Irwin to get the starting center position, so that’s definitely keeping me motivate in the offseason to get bigger and stronger. Hopefully, I’ll be competing for the starting center position and go from there.

BDN: I know you guys didn’t have the year you were hoping to, but can you recap how your senior season went?
I think one of the things that went wrong in our season was key injuries. In our first game, we lost a starting linebacker and in our second game we lost a starting offensive lineman. In the first two weeks we had two key losses and that kind of got our morale down, both on and off the field. Then later in the season we lost our starting running back, so we kind of had to play with what we had. Overall, I think I had a good season. I played both on offensive and defensive, playing defensive tackle and defensive end and then guard and center on offense. I just tried to focus on what I had to do on every play and not try to play outside my role.

BDN: Thanks so much, Matt. When can Duke fans look forward to seeing you on the field?
Yes sir. I’ll be enrolling second semester of the summer, so I think on July 5 or July 6.

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Duke Basketball, Duke Football

BDN Monday Musings-Kyrie, Milestones, Motivation, Recruiting and the Cheerleader of the Week

BDN salutes another member of the team behind the team - Photo Rick Crank for BDN

It's time for this week's Monday Musings piece where we think  out loud and  ponder the happenings around Duke Athletics.  This week we talk Kyrie Irving, the December schedule, and recruiting on the Duke Basketball front, Cutcliffe being on the road, a big game for the women's hoops team and we bring you the Duke Cheerleader of the Week.

Will maintaining motivation be a problem for Duke?

Duke just finished a stretch of games that included wins over Marquette, Kansas State, Oregon, Michigan State and Butler leaving us  to question if the Blue Devils can keep up their intensity during the easiest stretch of the season.  In December, players are hard at work in school and on the verge of the Holidays where many will go home for  few days.  It is not unusual for focus to drift but the thinking here is that Duke has too many players wanting to show their stuff and that should prevent too many let downs.  Duke will take on Bradley and St. Louis this week followed by a nine day break before another home contest with Elon and the team will then take another nine day break before travelling just down the road to face UNC-Greensboro.  Face it, Duke will win all of those contests easily and that will push their record to 12-0.  The reason for my confidence is as mentioned that players on the bench will want to show their stuff.  Duke will see to it that certain players get untracked and Krzyzewski's challenge will be to see his team improve before they enter ACC play in that 13 of their next 14 games will be against conference foes.

Kyrie Irving was never a secret but ...

If the ACC media was to vote today for Rookie of the Year, do you think UNC's Harrison Barnes would still outdistance Irving by a 46-9 vote?  I saw the Irving train coming after following the New Jersey native on the AAU trail seeing him play a good 20 or so times.  The youngster is capable of taking over games and he showed that in a game against Michigan State and bounced back with another 20 plus scoring effort versus Butler on Saturday.  What you have yet to see is when he starts dishing dimes [assists]  like they were going out of style and a few double-doubles are ahead.  Irving is as advertised and I can happily say that comes as no surprise to me.  And this just in -- Kyrie just won his third ACC Rookie of the Week honor of the young season.

 
 
 

Cook and Rivers are waiting their turn. BDN Photo

The Duke staff will remain busy during the Holiday's

There are some on the staff who stay up until just before dawn breaks watching film on the opposition.  I know this after being in close proximity of the situation for most of my life.  I also know that they'll be out in force during several December high school basketball tournaments one of which is the State Farm City of Palms event in Fort Meyers, Florida.  Check out this cast of characters which as BDN Premium members know that a lot of Duke's key targets are on hand.   The Class of 2010 No. 1 includes, Michael Gilchrist, St. Patrick; No. 2 Austin Rivers, Winter Park; No. 3 Adonis Thomas, Melrose; No. 8 James McAdoo, Norfolk Christian; No. 23 Shannon Scott, Milton; No. 27 Julian Royal, Milton; No. 58 Dai-Jon Parker, Milton; No. 75 Marshall Plumlee, Christ School; No. 87 . While the Class of 2012 adds No. 4 Shabazz Muhammad, Bishop Gorman; No. 5 Ricardo Gathers, Riverside Academy; No. 38 Xavier Johnson, Mater Dei; No. 45 Omar Calhoun, Christ the King; No. 47 Evan Nolte, Milton; No. 71 Rosco Allen, Bishop Gorman.  You can discuss the various tournaments and find out more on recruiting information with BDN Premium members by joining and supporting Blue Devil Nation.

Football coaches on the recruiting trail as well

Duke Football is making its list and checking it twice in December but the recruiting efforts started in November where the staff was out the Monday following the last game.  Duke Coach David Cutliffe will have his  own players for the first time next season and he is looking to make some  key offers in the foreseeable future.  BDN will keep you up to date on the latest on the football front..

The Duke Women face Texas A & M on Wednesday

The Duke Women are flying a bit under the radar now and that's a shame for they deserve more coverage on the Duke front.  Duke faces an early season test when they take on Texas A & M tonight in Cameron Indoor Stadium this Monday evening.

And speaking of under the radar

Duke handed out yet another commemorative to fans with Coach K's 800th win being saluted during the Michigan State game.  His milestones are so many that it barely gives Duke fans a chance to catch their breath and reflect  on his success as he continues to move towards being the winningest collegiate coach of all time.

Click here and follow Blue Devil Nation on Twitter for the best Duke coverage avialable.  And be sure to check out Andrew Slaters interview with Kyrie Irving.

Duke Football

BDN checks in with future Blue Devil Lucas Patrick

Future Blue Devil Lucas Patrick

Lucas Patrick is a 6’4” 285 pound senior offensive lineman from Brentwood, Tennessee who committed to the Blue Devils back in May. He checked in with BDN this week to update Duke fans on his senior year and his commitment.

 

 

“We’ve had a great start and are 5-2. We’ve beaten everyone in our district and we have a tough 3 game stretch coming up,” he told BDN. “The team is really coming together and it’s been really great so far.”

 

As one of the top ten college prospects in the state of Tennessee, Lucas has anchored the offensive line for the Bruins, even filling in at center for an injured teammate. “I feel like I’ve really improved at everything,” he said as he gave BDN a midseason evaluation of his personal performance. “My versatility is better; I filled in at center when a guy went down and ended up grading out at 94% for that game. I’ve been consistently in the 90s most of this year.” He was named the BancorpSouth Player of the Week for his efforts at center in Brentwood’s 42-0 Homecoming win over Gallatin. Lucas added that he may start at center again next week against Hillsboro due to injury, and with the graduation of senior Bryan Morgan, don’t be surprised if he takes some snaps at center during 2011 training camp at Duke.

 

Despite the 1-4 start, Lucas has really liked what he’s seen from the Blue Devils so far in 2010, and was even able to take in the week 2 game at Wake Forest. “My sister goes to Wake Forest, so I was actually able to see that game, which was a great game to watch,” he explained. “Duke never gave up and they showed they’re a tough team. I was then able to watch the Alabama game on TV and saw the same thing. They never stopped fighting, which was really cool to watch.” Lucas has kept in close contact with the Duke coaches, most notably Coach Luke, Coach Hardegree, and Coach Roper through phone calls and emails.

 

One of the factors that originally impressed Lucas about Duke was his comfort level with the Duke players and coaches, and that has continued to grow after his commitment. “I keep in touch with the other offensive line commits – Matt Skura, Carson Ginn, Marcus Aprahamian, and Cody Robinson,” he told BDN. “It’s really cool that we already have an early friendship. I’ve also stayed in touch with [Duke freshman lineman] Dave Harding.”

Lucas plans to take a visit to Duke next weekend for the Miami game with his family, and confirmed that his only visits this fall will be to Duke. The Blue Devil Nation can look forward to seeing Lucas graduate in the spring and join the Duke program in the summer of 2011 as part of an impressive offensive line class for Coach Cutcliffe.

Duke Football

Duke DE Prospect Joe Massaquoi talks recruiting

Joe Massaquoi is a 6'5” 230 pound defensive end prospect at TC Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Joe was originally scheduled to make an unofficial visit to Duke for the Alabama game, but had to reschedule. The senior spoke with Coach Zac Roper this week, and is now planning on visiting Duke with several high school teammates on October 16 for the Miami game. “I spoke to Coach Roper on Tuesday and told him I was coming for the Miami game and he actually said he's coming to watch me on October 24,” Joe told BDN in a recent interview.  

Joe currently holds one scholarship offer from East Carolina, but has had recent interest from Duke, NC State, Northwestern, Pittsburgh, and a few other ACC schools. In fact, several of these schools have asked him to delay his decision until they can fully evaluate him, and Joe has respected their requests. “I haven't committed yet because I want to let other schools evaluate me and I don't want to leave anybody out,” he explained. Joe will likely make his college decision after his high school season, so that schools are able to evaluate film from the fall.  

As for his high school season, TC Williams is currently 1-3, but Joe says “we're hoping to bounce back this week. We've lost two straight, both to really good top 20 teams.” As a senior standout, Joe has had to face multiple double teams, and is working hard at fighting through them.  

During the summer, Joe visited several campuses for summer camps and 7-on-7 tournaments, where he played tight end. Those visits included Pittsburgh, North Carolina, Virginia, Richmond, East Carolina, and Virginia Tech. He felt that the camps helped him to really improve his pass rushing ability in camps, and says his ability to get penetration is now his biggest strength. 

Joe is looking for a school where he feels comfortable and isn't too far away from home. “I've got to like the coaches; I want them to be easy to get along with,” he said. In addition to his prowess on the gridiron, Joe is also a standout on the basketball court and the lacrosse field. While he intends to focus on football in college, it sounded like he's always up for a game of pick-up. 

“I'm just a really hard worker. If I struggle with something at first, I'll work hard and get better and I hope fans will appreciate that,” he told BDN in closing. 

For more on Joe, visit this recruiting spotlight by the Washington Post with some practice and game highlig

Duke Football

Tennessee OL Cody Robinson commits to Duke

David Cutcliffe and the Duke coaching staff secured another commitment from a top prospect out of the state of Tennessee on Friday, as 6’4” 305 pound Cody Robinson announced his decision to join the Duke program. Cody made his announcement at noon central time in the Warren County High School gymnasium.

Duke was the first program to offer a scholarship to Cody, and he has formed a good relationship with the coaching staff over the past several months. Cody attended a Duke camp in June and also visited Durham for the Alabama game last weekend. His father played on the offensive line at Tennessee under Coach Fulmer, a close friend to Coach Cutcliffe.

Cody is the fifth offensive line commit for the class of 2011, joining Marcus Aprahamian, Lucas Patrick, Caron Ginn, and Matt Skura.

For more on Cody, please see our recent interview and view his highlight video.