DURHAM, N.C. – With an uncharacteristic mid-February start, the Duke football team opened spring drills on Sunday afternoon with a two-hour session in shorts and helmets at the Brooks Practice Facility.

“I was really, really thrilled with our enthusiasm, energy and body demeanor,” Cutcliffe said following the workout.  “You could tell they really wanted to be out here.”

With Thaddeus Lewis lost to graduation and Sean Renfree sidelined while recovering from knee surgery, Duke is operating with two first-year quarterbacks in Sean Schroeder and January enrollee Brandon Connette.  In addition to Connette, running back Josh Snead and tight end Cooper Helfet joined the Duke program for the spring semester.

“The two young quarterbacks managed practice well,” Cutcliffe noted.  “I was proud of all three of our new additions.  I thought that Connette, Snead and Helfet all contributed to make it a better practice.”

The Blue Devils were not fazed by the early beginning to spring practice, which saw temperatures in the low 40s on Sunday afternoon.

“It was good to get out here,” Schroeder said.  “It was a good first practice.  We have a lot of areas to improve on, but it was a good first day.”

Duke’s annual Spring Game is set for Saturday, March 27 at Wallace Wade Stadium.

The Blue Devils open the 2010 season at home against Elon on September 4.  Season tickets may be purchased online at GoDuke.com or by calling the Duke Athletic Ticket Office toll free at 1-877-375-3853.  The Duke Athletic Ticket Office is located in Cameron Indoor Stadium and open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.