Tag Archives: Gabe Brandner commits to Duke

Duke Football

Athletic SC OL Gabe Brandner discusses his commitment to Duke

The 2013 offensive line class received another big boost on Monday afternoon, as Gabe Brandner added his pledge to join Austin Davis and Sterling Korona in Durham.  At 6’6″ and 250 pounds out of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC, Brandner brings great size and athleticism to the Duke o-line of the future.  He chose the Blue Devils over offers from Appalachian State, Air Force, and Clemson. BDN caught up with the new Blue Devil commit shortly after his decision.

BDN: What led to your decision to commit to Duke?

It's just been, coming from Heathwood, not many people get the opportunity to play college football and it was just unbelievable to have an offer from a university like Duke.  That definitely played into it. Coach Cut is just an unbelievable man.  I know that he will teach me a lot about character. Coach Jones and Coach Latina, just being around those guys, I know I'll be in really good hands up at Duke. I want to go and win games. I feel I can do that at Duke, play competitive football and get a great education, so it's really the complete package that Duke sold me on.

BDN: How did you inform the coaches and what was their reaction?

I first called Coach Latina, and he told me that's great news Gabe, we're excited to have you up, but you have to call Coach Cutcliffe. So I let Coach Cutcliffe know.  He was on his way to a funeral, actually - his aunt died - but he was just really excited to hear that I had chosen Duke. It was an exciting time for both my family and me, and they seemed sincerely excited also, so it's just a great fit.

BDN: What kind of player do you hope to be for the Duke program?

I want to be an All-ACC offensive tackle or maybe tight end for them. That all depends on how much weight I gain; I'm at 250 right now, but I have the frame to put on a lot more. I want to be the best player I can be for them, and hopefully be a starter for a long time for Duke University.

BDN: What schools ultimately factored in your final decision?

Funny story, actually.  As soon as I committed to Duke, I also picked up an offer from Clemson. All the offers I had were Air Force, App State, Duke, and Clemson.

BDN: Signing Day is still a long way away. What do you plan to tell other schools like Clemson when they keep calling you?

All I tell them is I'm a man of my word, and I gave Coach Cutcliffe my word. I'm a Duke Blue Devil commit, and I'm good for my word.

BDN: What do you have planned for the rest of the summer as you prepare for your senior year?

Actually, my dad and I already bought tickets, so we have to finish up the camp recruiting circuit. We're going up to Maryland and Navy, but obviously I'm a Duke commit, so I guess we're going to go pick up a t-shirt is really what we're doing. [laughs] I'm just lifting right now and getting ready for my senior season, I hope it's going to be a good one and we're going to try and win state. That's what my summer looks like, basically no vacation, just all work and no play.

BDN: Congratulations, Gabe, and thank you!

Thank you, you too.

Duke Football

Duke Football adds 4 commitments in 24 hours

Photo copyright Alamo Sports Photography

When you're hot, you're hot. David Cutcliffe and co. are on a roll on the recruiting trail, securing four verbal commitments over the past 24 hours. With spring practice long over and this fall's freshmen making their way onto campus, and with camp season now behind us, the Blue Devils have a much clearer picture of their recruiting board, their needs, and the remaining available scholarships. So it comes as no surprise that Duke's recruiting has heated up.

But the first of the commitments was a bit of a surprise, as Mikey Ramsay, a 6'3" 260 pounder out of the Walker School in Marietta, GA, signed on.  A lightly-recruited prospect, Ramsay has starred on both sides of the ball, but likely projects at defensive tackle in college. He earned 1st team All-Region honors for his strong junior campaign, which included 37 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries. Highlights

Sterling Korona is a big Texan that BDN was first to introduce to Duke fans early this spring. At 6'7" and 250 pounds, the star offensive tackle from Ronald Reagan HS saw his stock soar this spring, as he picked up offers from Kansas, North Texas, Southern Methodist, UTSA, Washington State, and Tulsa.  He called Duke a "special place" after his visit earlier this year, and ultimately made his pledge to Duke after touring campuses nationwide this summer.  Highlights

The 2013 offensive line class received another big boost on Monday afternoon, as Gabe Brandner added his pledge to join Austin Davis and Korona in Durham.  At 6'6" and 250 pounds out of Heathwood Hall Episcopal School in Columbia, SC, Brandner brings more great size to the Duke o-line of the future.  He chose the Blue Devils over offers from Appalachian State, Air Force, and Clemson.

Last, but certainly not least, the Blue Devils added a commitment from California ATH Darren Andrews.  At 5'10" and 160 pounds, the rising senior out of La Puente's Bishop Amat impressed on both sides of the ball at a recent Duke camp.  As a Blue Devil, Andrews is likely to get a long look at receiver, where he is able to use his elite speed to separate from defenders. The Blue Devils ultimately beat out Hawaii for his commitment.

Welcome to #dukegang, Mike, Sterling, Gabe, and Darren!