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CameronBornAndBred
01-13-2015, 11:53 AM
OPK pointed out that in the last AP poll that Duke ended the season ranked 30th; I'm good with that number. The blog crew at ESPN has put out their "way too early" power rankings, and has us at 4th, behind Clemson, GT, and FSU, in that order.
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/79324/2015-too-early-acc-power-rankings
I'm really excited for this spring, since there is so much mystery at quarterback, along with the expected return of Kelby Brown, Jela Duncn and Braxton Deaver. Will Kelby and Braxton be cleared to play in spring practice?

airowe
01-13-2015, 12:11 PM
OPK pointed out that in the last AP poll that Duke ended the season ranked 30th; I'm good with that number. The blog crew at ESPN has put out their "way too early" power rankings, and has us at 4th, behind Clemson, GT, and FSU, in that order.
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/79324/2015-too-early-acc-power-rankings
I'm really excited for this spring, since there is so much mystery at quarterback, along with the expected return of Kelby Brown, Jela Duncn and Braxton Deaver. Will Kelby and Braxton be cleared to play in spring practice?

Kelby and Braxton Deaver will not take part in spring practice

jv001
01-13-2015, 12:27 PM
Kelby and Braxton Deaver will not take part in spring practice

Thanks for the information on two very important players for Duke Football 2015. If these two guys are going to be injured, I want it to be in a regular season game. GoDuke!

OldPhiKap
01-13-2015, 12:42 PM
Interesting link CB&B, thanks. Maybe we are past the point where Duke gets picked near the bottom for historical reasons. Cut is making some believers, and each recruiting class is another step forward.

Having said that, UNC is #10 on that list yet I bet they start the season ranked while we do not. Again.

Interesting that the top team (Clemson) is projected as 9 in the country ... An uphill battle for respect next year for the ACC perhaps. (And perhaps deservedly so)

CameronBornAndBred
01-13-2015, 01:31 PM
Interesting link CB&B, thanks. Maybe we are past the point where Duke gets picked near the bottom for historical reasons. Cut is making some believers, and each recruiting class is another step forward.

Having said that, UNC is #10 on that list yet I bet they start the season ranked while we do not. Again.

Interesting that the top team (Clemson) is projected as 9 in the country ... An uphill battle for respect next year for the ACC perhaps. (And perhaps deservedly so)
I think until UNC proves they can play defense, they won't be gifted with so many lofty expectations this time. I don't expect them to be placed so low as 10th in the ACC, but I don't think they'll be so high as to be ranked.

CameronBornAndBred
01-13-2015, 01:52 PM
Maybe they forgot Louisville, but Duke has been bumped to 5th, with Louisville 4th. Fair enough.
(P.S...that dropped UNC to 11th. HAHA)

AustinDevil
01-13-2015, 02:40 PM
Maybe they forgot Louisville, but Duke has been bumped to 5th, with Louisville 4th. Fair enough.
(P.S...that dropped UNC to 11th. HAHA)


There are two sets of rankings: the "final 2014" which has Louisville fourth as you note and Duke fifth, and the "way too early 2015 preseason rankings," where Duke is still fourth (and Louisville sixth).

CameronBornAndBred
01-13-2015, 04:54 PM
There are two sets of rankings: the "final 2014" which has Louisville fourth as you note and Duke fifth, and the "way too early 2015 preseason rankings," where Duke is still fourth (and Louisville sixth).
Ahhh...thanks for the catch. I didn't pay attention and see that they had added a set.

sagegrouse
01-13-2015, 05:00 PM
I think until UNC proves they can play defense, they won't be gifted with so many lofty expectations this time. I don't expect them to be placed so low as 10th in the ACC, but I don't think they'll be so high as to be ranked.

Will UNC be eligible for ranking if it receives a postseason ban from the NCAA?

Bob Green
01-13-2015, 05:11 PM
There is a lot to be excited about in 2015 with a few questions needing to be answered as well. I'll chime in with some questions:

1. How effective will quarterback play be?
2. And repeating a question I asked in a different thread earlier, who replaces Takoby Cofield at left tackle?
3. Are the defensive line redshirt freshmen (Edgar Cerenord, Quaven Ferguson, Taariq Shabazz) ready to step in and be productive?
4. Are Kelby Brown and Braxton Deaver fully recovered and able to return to their 2013 production level?
5. Who steps up at linebacker? Chris Holmes and Zavier Carmichael gained invaluable experience in 2014. Is redshirt freshman Tinashe Bere ready? How about true freshman Ben Humphreys? With David Helton graduated and Kelby Brown returning from a third knee surgery, linebacker play is a huge question mark.

But the biggest question for 2015, IMHO, is will Duke look to the running game more or less? With the emergence of Shaq Powell as a consistent between the tackles power runner, the big play potential of Shaun Wilson and the return of Jela Duncan, along with uncertainty at quarterback, it seems probable Duke's offense will look to emphasize the running game more in 2015. Duke ran 963 plays from scrimmage in 2014 with 492 (51%) being running plays and 471 (49%) being passes.

Last night, while winning the National Championship, Ohio State ran the ball on 61 of 84 plays or 72.6%. More emphasis on the run game would not disappoint me.

devildeac
01-13-2015, 05:12 PM
Will UNC be eligible for ranking if it receives a postseason ban from the NCAA?

Ranking, hell, Fedora will pass out rings!:rolleyes:

Bob Green
01-15-2015, 04:32 PM
I am a little disappointed this thread fell off the first page so quickly. It would be great to see Duke football discussed here 365 days a year just like Duke basketball. Anyway, I'm bumping it back to the top with a couple of more questions which require answering:

6. Who takes over punt return duties?
7. Can Breon Borders and Bryon Fields take the next step toward developing into lockdown cornerbacks?

Let's talk some Duke football!

CBDUKE
01-15-2015, 04:47 PM
I think it is possible we will see Devon Edwards returning punts next year. But that is just a guess on my part. And yes, let's keep this thread going all year.

devildeac
01-15-2015, 05:54 PM
I am a little disappointed this thread fell off the first page so quickly. It would be great to see Duke football discussed here 365 days a year just like Duke basketball. Anyway, I'm bumping it back to the top with a couple of more questions which require answering:

6. Who takes over punt return duties?
7. Can Breon Borders and Bryon Fields take the next step toward developing into lockdown cornerbacks?

Let's talk some Duke football!


I think it is possible we will see Devon Edwards returning punts next year. But that is just a guess on my part. And yes, let's keep this thread going all year.

6. Perhaps Johnell Barnes or Ryan Smith?

7. Yes and yes. I hope.

Bob Green
01-15-2015, 06:14 PM
6. Perhaps Johnell Barnes or Ryan Smith?

I agree with you it will most likely be an offensive player and Ryan Smith did return a couple of punts last season. Punts occur on 4th down right after an intense 3rd down so a defensive starter is likely winded. Of course, Deion Sanders was a star cornerback and one of the best punt returners in the history of the game so...

Dallas hate incoming in three, two, one...

Coach Cutcliffe has a history of utilizing his star receiver as the punt return specialist so whoever steps up and takes over as the main target in the passing game will certainly be included in the conversation.

jv001
01-15-2015, 08:59 PM
I agree with you it will most likely be an offensive player and Ryan Smith did return a couple of punts last season. Punts occur on 4th down right after an intense 3rd down so a defensive starter is likely winded. Of course, Deion Sanders was a star cornerback and one of the best punt returners in the history of the game so...
Dallas hate incoming in three, two, one...

Coach Cutcliffe has a history of utilizing his star receiver as the punt return specialist so whoever steps up and takes over as the main target in the passing game will certainly be included in the conversation.

But Deion didn't like to tackle, so he probably wasn't as winded as other defensive backs. :cool: GoDuke!

OldPhiKap
01-15-2015, 09:47 PM
Cut pays much more attention to special teams than most coaches. Whoever he puts back there, it will be because he handled the practices the best.

Punt returns require two things: a returner with speed who can make the first man miss, and solid blocking thereafter. A good system produces both. I am confident that much of our success was based on our system, not just the individual who got the credit.

Urban Meyer showed what a great system coach can do. We have a great system coach. And the talent level jumps up every year.

Go Duke.

CameronBornAndBred
01-16-2015, 06:41 AM
Cut pays much more attention to special teams than most coaches. Whoever he puts back there, it will be because he handled the practices the best.

Punt returns require two things: a returner with speed who can make the first man miss, and solid blocking thereafter. A good system produces both. I am confident that much of our success was based on our system, not just the individual who got the credit.

Urban Meyer showed what a great system coach can do. We have a great system coach. And the talent level jumps up every year.

Go Duke.
Three things...add the ability to catch. Even the long haired hippie punt returner for the Panthers, the guy that gets paid millions to return punts, has a habit of dropping the ball.

Reilly
01-16-2015, 07:03 AM
... will Duke look to the running game more or less? With the emergence of Shaq Powell as a consistent between the tackles power runner, the big play potential of Shaun Wilson and the return of Jela Duncan, along with uncertainty at quarterback, it seems probable Duke's offense will look to emphasize the running game more in 2015. Duke ran 963 plays from scrimmage in 2014 with 492 (51%) being running plays and 471 (49%) being passes.

Last night, while winning the National Championship, Ohio State ran the ball on 61 of 84 plays or 72.6%. More emphasis on the run game would not disappoint me.

I think so, esp. given we don't have anyone who we know would be a stellar passer, and in whose hands we want to put the game. With Deaver and Reeves and Schneider and Beilenson, we have TEs ... Shaq can run and block, I think ... Jela is a strong runner ... Wilson the speedster ....

Joe Gibbs came to the Redskins in 1981 as an air-it-out mastermind -- the offensive coordinator of the Air Coryell Chargers. After an 0-5 start, that got scrapped, and he put the ball in Riggo's hands, and started using 2 TE sets, and moving H-Backs all over to weight the line on one side or another, and started plowing over folks. We've got RBs and TEs galore. I could see Cut -- who came to Duke as the QB guru and with a creative passing game early on due to our lack of a running game, going all in for a running attack this year.

Sixthman
01-16-2015, 08:06 AM
I think so, esp. given we don't have anyone who we know would be a stellar passer, and in whose hands we want to put the game. With Deaver and Reeves and Schneider and Beilenson, we have TEs ... Shaq can run and block, I think ... Jela is a strong runner ... Wilson the speedster ....

Joe Gibbs came to the Redskins in 1981 as an air-it-out mastermind -- the offensive coordinator of the Air Coryell Chargers. After an 0-5 start, that got scrapped, and he put the ball in Riggo's hands, and started using 2 TE sets, and moving H-Backs all over to weight the line on one side or another, and started plowing over folks. We've got RBs and TEs galore. I could see Cut -- who came to Duke as the QB guru and with a creative passing game early on due to our lack of a running game, going all in for a running attack this year.


Our ability to replace key departures on the offensive line will have as much to say about what the offense looks like in 2015 as anything else. From everything we are hearing, there is a lot of optimism about the line. I think this will have more impact than how the QB situation evolves -- unless it turns out that one of the QBs is a future All American. One of the things that has disappointed me during the Cutcliff era --- AND LORD KNOWS THERE ISN't much to be disappointed in -- is that our passing game has not seemed very creative. Based upon reputation, I expected Cut to be inventive in this era. Instead, our passing game has been pretty conservative. If everybody at the game had a drink every time we threw a swing pass or a wide receiver screen, no one would be driving home. The Boone tenure at QB, which by any rational measure was a great era, was a "don't make a mistake" era. That's a philosophy which has won a few Super Bowls in the last ten years, but has not been as successful at the college level. Of course, that's not to say that the college teams putting up huge numbers are running high risk offenses, but they are very inventive. In college football, the majority of successful, winning, highly ranked teams, in recent years have been wide open and pass first offenses. These teams don't win championships -- which is still the domain of running games and defenses -- but they pack the top 25.

Mike Corey
01-16-2015, 08:30 AM
Nothing excites me more about this team than seeing how our defense develops.

I'd love to see this iteration of Cutcliffe's squad develop a national rep for its defense, with Mr. Cash as the frontman.

If only our defense had a shutter-worthy name like the "Blackshirts" or "Silver Bullets."

Atldukie79
01-16-2015, 08:30 AM
It is often mentioned on this board that our recruiting has consistently improved over the past several years, and we are indeed returning a trio of proven veterans who did not play last year (RB, TE,LB).
But we lose quite a few talented players including Boone, Snead, Crowder, Blakeney, Helton, France, Tomlinson, Cofield, the D line and probably some others who contributed.

Can anyone put this into perspective? This seems like one of the best group of players we have had move on in recent memory. Do we feel that the relative unknowns and key returners will emerge and more than offset this group?

Our visibility into the potential of new players is more limited than hoops where we can form impressions of subs (often incorrectly) based on some court time.

OldPhiKap
01-16-2015, 08:59 AM
Our ability to replace key departures on the offensive line will have as much to say about what the offense looks like in 2015 as anything else. From everything we are hearing, there is a lot of optimism about the line. I think this will have more impact than how the QB situation evolves -- unless it turns out that one of the QBs is a future All American. One of the things that has disappointed me during the Cutcliff era --- AND LORD KNOWS THERE ISN't much to be disappointed in -- is that our passing game has not seemed very creative. Based upon reputation, I expected Cut to be inventive in this era. Instead, our passing game has been pretty conservative. If everybody at the game had a drink every time we threw a swing pass or a wide receiver screen, no one would be driving home. The Boone tenure at QB, which by any rational measure was a great era, was a "don't make a mistake" era. That's a philosophy which has won a few Super Bowls in the last ten years, but has not been as successful at the college level. Of course, that's not to say that the college teams putting up huge numbers are running high risk offenses, but they are very inventive. In college football, the majority of successful, winning, highly ranked teams, in recent years have been wide open and pass first offenses. These teams don't win championships -- which is still the domain of running games and defenses -- but they pack the top 25.

I wonder how much this has to do with schemes, and how much it has to do with the accuracy of throws down field. I get that the swing passes stretch the defense which helps the run game, and which theoretically opens up things down field when we choose to throw there. I love me some Anthony Boone, but accurate passes in the 15-30 yard range did not seem to always be his strong suit.

Don't know the answer, just thinking out loud.

rtnorthrup
01-16-2015, 10:45 AM
I am a little disappointed this thread fell off the first page so quickly. It would be great to see Duke football discussed here 365 days a year just like Duke basketball. Anyway, I'm bumping it back to the top with a couple of more questions which require answering:

6. Who takes over punt return duties?
7. Can Breon Borders and Bryon Fields take the next step toward developing into lockdown cornerbacks?

Let's talk some Duke football!


6. As some have mentioned, Ryan Smith is a good shout. How about Johnathon Lloyd as a long shot. He needs to get on the field and get touches.

7. I don't think Duke plays its corners like that. We do go cover 0 when we blitz, but we gave up so many big third down plays with that last year. I think they continue to step up their play but Fields's size is always going to be an issue. Not sure we can live in a straight man coverage all year. That said, I think our defensive secondary will be a strength of the team.

sagegrouse
01-16-2015, 10:49 AM
I wonder how much this has to do with schemes, and how much it has to do with the accuracy of throws down field. I get that the swing passes stretch the defense which helps the run game, and which theoretically opens up things down field when we choose to throw there. I love me some Anthony Boone, but accurate passes in the 15-30 yard range did not seem to always be his strong suit.

Don't know the answer, just thinking out loud.

I don't know the whole answer, but it was evident in the Sun Bowl that Boone couldn't hit the broad side of the barn in the first half. Therefore, the coaches gave him swing passes and screen passes that were much easier to complete. He was better in the second half, and we did take some downfield shots.

TKG
01-16-2015, 11:07 AM
The two areas where I would like to see improvement in 2015:

1) Secondary play - particulary coverage. Many will point to our relative youth last season and there is merit to that view. I am concerned about fundamentals: not letting opposing WRs get behind us and learning how to turn and face the ball particulary in the red zone.

2) Overall tackling. In 2014 we did not seem able to bring down opposing ball carries with our initial hits. We did not seem well schooled in wrapping up. We hit with shoulders first and we gave up additional yards while waiting for reinforcements to help gang tackle.

HK Dukie
01-16-2015, 11:17 AM
I think it is possible we will see Devon Edwards returning punts next year. But that is just a guess on my part. And yes, let's keep this thread going all year.

What would the athletic or skills requirements be for a punt returner that would be different than a kickoff returner? [e.g. Why Crowder on punts, Devon on kickoffs vs reverse in 2014]

How frequently do players return both punts and kickoffs and what is the disadvantage other than higher injury risk of having someone talented enough return both?

duke blue brewcrew
01-16-2015, 11:19 AM
6. Who takes over punt return duties?

Let's talk some Duke football!

I'm just digging through this thread, so my apologies if this has already been mentioned. What about Johnell Barnes? He has some make you miss east/west quickness and his north/south speed is above average IMO as well.

BTW...I'm with you, I love Duke Football and am ready to see it get some more respect! I find myself paying more attention to the recruiting news and team updates for football than basketball these days. That's a crazy thing for me to realize, and sounds even more nuts as I read my words aloud before posting them in a public forum. That said, it's probably true. This team is now bathing in the light it once saw at the end of the tunnel. I'm enjoying watching this team grow and as we all do, can't wait to see those next steps as a winning program take place.

rtnorthrup
01-16-2015, 11:26 AM
Our ability to replace key departures on the offensive line will have as much to say about what the offense looks like in 2015 as anything else. From everything we are hearing, there is a lot of optimism about the line. I think this will have more impact than how the QB situation evolves -- unless it turns out that one of the QBs is a future All American. One of the things that has disappointed me during the Cutcliff era --- AND LORD KNOWS THERE ISN't much to be disappointed in -- is that our passing game has not seemed very creative. Based upon reputation, I expected Cut to be inventive in this era. Instead, our passing game has been pretty conservative. If everybody at the game had a drink every time we threw a swing pass or a wide receiver screen, no one would be driving home. The Boone tenure at QB, which by any rational measure was a great era, was a "don't make a mistake" era. That's a philosophy which has won a few Super Bowls in the last ten years, but has not been as successful at the college level. Of course, that's not to say that the college teams putting up huge numbers are running high risk offenses, but they are very inventive. In college football, the majority of successful, winning, highly ranked teams, in recent years have been wide open and pass first offenses. These teams don't win championships -- which is still the domain of running games and defenses -- but they pack the top 25.


I think this is a bit of a generalization and equates different teams that are light years apart.

When Cut first got here, our OL was terrible and we simply couldn't run the ball against decent opposition. We utilized the WR screens as a de facto running game to take some pressure off the Oline. Conner Vernon excelled in those situations. In fact, some of the stuff we ran in Renfree's senior year was outstanding. Multiple crossing routes, seam routes, underneath stuff. It was hardly conservative.

Even last year with Boone our offense was dynamic at times. Go back and watch the Texas A&M game. That was a great, creative game plan. It got Roper hired at UF.

This year, our OL was the strength of our team and we altered our offense toward that. Throw in a first year Offensive Coordinator, and yes, our play calling this year was more conservative. I wish we had actually put in more running plays. We ran the ball very well this year but our play calling was very vanilla. Very few runs outside the tackle. We also struggled to find a consistent WR2 this year. Blakeney had trouble with drops and McCaffrey had trouble getting open against pressure CBs. We really missed Deaver this year.

Yes, Boone lost some of his confidence sometime during the game at Syracuse. His lack of confidence added with a first year play caller ended up being a problem. I think Scottie will be much more experienced in play calling next year.

duke blue brewcrew
01-16-2015, 11:37 AM
It is often mentioned on this board that our recruiting has consistently improved over the past several years, and we are indeed returning a trio of proven veterans who did not play last year (RB, TE,LB).
But we lose quite a few talented players including Boone, Snead, Crowder, Blakeney, Helton, France, Tomlinson, Cofield, the D line and probably some others who contributed.

Can anyone put this into perspective? This seems like one of the best group of players we have had move on in recent memory. Do we feel that the relative unknowns and key returners will emerge and more than offset this group?

Our visibility into the potential of new players is more limited than hoops where we can form impressions of subs (often incorrectly) based on some court time.

I posted these in another thread. They are links to a 2 part article on 247 that I felt were pretty insightful and well written. Maybe they will help answer your questions also:

http://duke.247sports.com/Article/State-of-the-Blue-Part-1-34282760
http://duke.247sports.com/Article/State-of-the-Blue-Part-2-34285953

duke blue brewcrew
01-16-2015, 11:43 AM
Go back and watch the Texas A&M game. That was a great, creative game plan. It got Roper hired at UF.

I agree with everything you said in your post and think it's spot on. That said, didn't Roper already have the Florida gig going into the Chic-fil-A Bowl? My memory sucks, but I do believe that to be the case. I was at that game by the way, what an amazing experience with an obviously disappointing outcome.

rtnorthrup
01-16-2015, 11:59 AM
I agree with everything you said in your post and think it's spot on. That said, didn't Roper already have the Florida gig going into the Chic-fil-A Bowl? My memory sucks, but I do believe that to be the case. I was at that game by the way, what an amazing experience with an obviously disappointing outcome.

Looking back I think you are right. Ok maybe it was the Pitt game that got him the UF job :) The fact that Cut and Roper made Conner Vernon, a good college WR, the leading ACC receiver of all time is an indication of how dynamic our passing game has been the last several years. If some of our R-Fr and true FR WRs are as good as their recruiting hype, look out.

Bob Green
01-16-2015, 12:05 PM
If some of our R-Fr and true FR WRs are as good as their recruiting hype, look out.

One guy to keep our eyes on is R-Fr Chris Taylor. He was not hyped coming out of high school, partly due to committing to Duke early; however, I've read in a couple of different places including DBR Forums that the staff is very excited about him.

duke blue brewcrew
01-16-2015, 12:10 PM
One guy to keep our eyes on is R-Fr Chris Taylor. He was not hyped coming out of high school, partly due to committing to Duke early; however, I've read in a couple of different places including DBR Forums that the staff is very excited about him.

Agreed Bob. I've read similar stuff about Chris Taylor and have also heard great things about Trevon Lee. We'll be young at WR next year, but we'll have some exciting talent competing for touches.

rtnorthrup
01-16-2015, 12:18 PM
One guy to keep our eyes on is R-Fr Chris Taylor. He was not hyped coming out of high school, partly due to committing to Duke early; however, I've read in a couple of different places including DBR Forums that the staff is very excited about him.

I remember watching one of his senior HS games on ESPN. Think his HS QB was an Auburn commit. Also think Taylor had 4 TD and looked the best player on the field. Couldn't understand why his rankings were so low. He and Lee could be a great 1-2 punch.

wolfpackdevil
01-16-2015, 03:13 PM
I am a little disappointed this thread fell off the first page so quickly. It would be great to see Duke football discussed here 365 days a year just like Duke basketball. Anyway, I'm bumping it back to the top with a couple of more questions which require answering:

6. Who takes over punt return duties?
7. Can Breon Borders and Bryon Fields take the next step toward developing into lockdown cornerbacks?

Let's talk some Duke football!

6. I think this position could be a toss up. I'm guessing Smith, Barnes, and Lee will be the front-runners for the job. What Crowder was able to do was special, but you rarely ever get someone like him. As long as our future returner does not fumble, I will be happy.

7. I was very unimpressed with Bryon Fields in 2014. He was beaten a lot in coverage, and I thought he was outplayed by Everett Edwards over the final half of the season. If you noticed, we started playing E. Edwards a lot on 3rd downs late in the year. I would not be surprised if they change something with Fields. I love Breon though, he is a playmaker.

Bob Green
01-16-2015, 03:21 PM
Here is a Spring practice article from ESPN. We head to the practice field on February 6:

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/79455/duke-football-opts-for-springtime-in-winter


Cutcliffe said Duke will open the spring with Thomas Sirk as the starter at quarterback, though Parker Boehme and Nico Pierre will get their share of reps. The trio has combined for zero career starts, so Duke has gone from having the most experienced quarterback in the ACC to the least experienced in the span of a few months.

The article is a good read.

Bob Green
01-16-2015, 06:16 PM
DL Coach Rick Petri is leaving Duke to pursue other opportunities:


Duke Football ‏@Duke_FB · 37m37 minutes ago
Cutcliffe: “We certainly appreciate Rick’s efforts in helping build our program. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-16-2015, 07:05 PM
DL Coach Rick Petri is leaving Duke to pursue other opportunities:

This is very disappointing. Coach Petri is one of the good guys.

jv001
01-16-2015, 07:56 PM
6. I think this position could be a toss up. I'm guessing Smith, Barnes, and Lee will be the front-runners for the job. What Crowder was able to do was special, but you rarely ever get someone like him. As long as our future returner does not fumble, I will be happy.

7. I was very unimpressed with Bryon Fields in 2014. He was beaten a lot in coverage, and I thought he was outplayed by Everett Edwards over the final half of the season. If you noticed, we started playing E. Edwards a lot on 3rd downs late in the year. I would not be surprised if they change something with Fields. I love Breon though, he is a playmaker.

I agree with you regarding Fields. Many times he never got his head turned back around to make a play on the ball. I think he was our weakest DB. We have two great safeties in D. Edwards and J. Cash, we have pretty good linebackers and some young talented DL. If we can get a pass rush and our corners do their job, we could have a special defense next season. GoDuke!

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-16-2015, 08:11 PM
Here's the official announcement of Coach Petri's departure.
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209853062&DB_OEM_ID=4200

CameronBornAndBred
01-16-2015, 08:55 PM
Here's the official announcement of Coach Petri's departure.
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209853062&DB_OEM_ID=4200
Interesting. He isn't leaving Duke to take another job, but instead is leaving to LOOK for other jobs. That's the way I take it, anyway. I wonder if the "other opportunities" will still be in football or if he's changing careers. One doesn't usually find oneself in that situation unless they've been fired, or quit. As I stated, interesting.

devildeac
01-16-2015, 10:47 PM
This is very disappointing. Coach Petri is one of the good guys.

I thought they were all good guys. Are there some bad guys?

devildeac
01-16-2015, 10:50 PM
Interesting. He isn't leaving Duke to take another job, but instead is leaving to LOOK for other jobs. That's the way I take it, anyway. I wonder if the "other opportunities" will still be in football or if he's changing careers. One doesn't usually find oneself in that situation unless they've been fired, or quit. As I stated, interesting.

Discussed similar thoughts with Mrs. dd. If he were heading elsewhere to become a HC or a DC, it'd make great sense. But this leaves me with a bit of head scratching.

OldPhiKap
01-16-2015, 11:05 PM
I think Coach Petri is around 60 and has been at this since 1977. It may well be that he is tired of the grind and is just quitting the life. Doubt he is up for a HC job and don't really see him jumping ship to do the same thing somewhere else for several reasons.

In any event, whatever the reason, good luck and thanks.

Curious to see how Cut fills the spot.

devildeac
01-16-2015, 11:13 PM
I think Coach Petri is around 60 and has been at this since 1977. It may well be that he is tired of the grind and is just quitting the life. Doubt he is up for a HC job and don't really see him jumping ship to do the same thing somewhere else for several reasons.

In any event, whatever the reason, good luck and thanks.

Curious to see how Cut fills the spot.

60? WTH? That's still young;).

You're correct though. Hope he finds a nice landing spot, whether it be retirement or another similar position. A hearty thanks!

PDDuke85
01-17-2015, 09:18 AM
Thank you Coach Petri for your contributions towards the renaissance which is Duke Football. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

Now, hoping there isn't any negative impact in the current recruitment of D linemen prospects. Also hoping his departure isn't related to any issues with coach joanne p mccallie.

jwillfan
01-17-2015, 09:56 AM
Also hoping his departure isn't related to any issues with coach joanne p mccallie.
Man I am glad I wasn't sipping coffee when I read this! ;)

60sDukie
01-17-2015, 10:04 AM
I just read that Coach Petri is going to Louisiana Tech as defensive line coach.

Bob Green
01-17-2015, 10:59 AM
I just read that Coach Petri is going to Louisiana Tech as defensive line coach.

Here is a link:

https://latech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1726173

It seems like a step down to me, but I guess that is a matter of perspective. Is there more to the story?

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-17-2015, 11:04 AM
Here is a link:

https://latech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1726173

It seems like a step down to me, but I guess that is a matter of perspective. Is there more to the story?
Coach Petri coached at LA Tech in 1992. If there's more to it than is apparent at the moment, the rest of the story will eventually be known. For now, I wish him well and appreciate what he's done to make Duke better than it was before his arrival.

sagegrouse
01-17-2015, 11:06 AM
Here is a link:

https://latech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1726173

It seems like a step down to me, but I guess that is a matter of perspective. Is there more to the story?

Petri bio:

St. Louis native, went to U. of Missouri, Rolla.

Coached at small colleges, including one year at Louisiana Tech. Coached at U. of Miami 1993-95 (Warren Sapp, Kenard Lang), So. Car. and then for Cut at Ole Miss from 1998-2004.

After Ole Miss he coached at Kentucky before coming to Duke in 2011.

OldPhiKap
01-17-2015, 11:09 AM
Here is a link:

https://latech.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1726173

It seems like a step down to me, but I guess that is a matter of perspective. Is there more to the story?

I assume there are other reasons at play, and hope it works out best for all concerned.

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-17-2015, 04:15 PM
I assume there are other reasons at play, and hope it works out best for all concerned.

Head Coach at LA Tech is one Skip Holtz. Could be an interesting job for Coach Petri. He's already involved in the Bulldogs' efforts to close on some commitments in time for National Signing Day (Feb. 3).

As you may recall, football is big in Louisiana.

OldPhiKap
01-17-2015, 04:20 PM
Head Coach at LA Tech is one Skip Holtz. Could be an interesting job for Coach Petri. He's already involved in the Bulldogs' efforts to close on some commitments in time for National Signing Day (Feb. 3).

As you may recall, football is big in Louisiana.

I think Petri coached there for a year too, so it's not wholly random.

No matter the reasons, best of luck and thanks. I am sure Cut will find a gem to fill the spot. LGD!

nyesq83
01-17-2015, 09:18 PM
My hope is that this is an opportunity for both parties to improve and prosper.

Good luck and much thanks, Coach Petri!

-bdbd
01-17-2015, 11:59 PM
I thought they were all good guys. Are there some bad guys?

Well, there's that Calipari guy at Kentucky.....

brevity
01-18-2015, 12:03 AM
I don't know much about Coach Petri, but the ladies say he's quite a dish.

Anyway, I wanted to add that Louisiana Tech's basketball coach is Michael White, the son of Duke AD Kevin White. Maybe a tenuous connection, but who knows how these feelers are put out?

asbcheeks
01-18-2015, 09:13 AM
Curious to see how Cut fills the spot.

How about this guy?

http://collegespun.com/big-ten/ohio-state/video-ohio-state-coach-does-celebratory-whip-dance-buckeyes-players-go-crazy

OldPhiKap
01-18-2015, 11:19 AM
How about this guy?

http://collegespun.com/big-ten/ohio-state/video-ohio-state-coach-does-celebratory-whip-dance-buckeyes-players-go-crazy

Great find. That would be great!

duke blue brewcrew
01-18-2015, 01:58 PM
Great find. That would be great!

How soon is too soon to leave a brand new gig you just started? How long has VO been at the Big O? I was thinking it was just long enough for the bowl practices and games, but I could be wrong about that. I would love to see him back on the Duke sidelines if there's an opportunity.

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-18-2015, 02:26 PM
How soon is too soon to leave a brand new gig you just started? How long has VO been at the Big O? I was thinking it was just long enough for the bowl practices and games, but I could be wrong about that. I would love to see him back on the Duke sidelines if there's an opportunity.

Vince just completed his second season in Columbus. While he's been a graduate assistant there he's completed a masters degree program in sports management. He was enrolled in a program at the Divinity School at Duke before he left, but don't know of he completed it before leaving for tOSU.

duke blue brewcrew
01-18-2015, 03:12 PM
Vince just completed his second season in Columbus. While he's been a graduate assistant there he's completed a masters degree program in sports management. He was enrolled in a program at the Divinity School at Duke before he left, but don't know of he completed it before leaving for tOSU.

Great info and thanks! Is VO ready for a position like DL Coach for Duke?

Acymetric
01-18-2015, 03:47 PM
Great info and thanks! Is VO ready for a position like DL Coach for Duke?

Well he'll be looking for a coaching position somewhere now that his grad assistant stint is over. Not sure if Ohio State might try to keep him on or if he will go elsewhere. Definitely a young guy but maybe that would help on the recruiting trail as was the case with Scottie and then more recently Faris.

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-18-2015, 04:47 PM
Well he'll be looking for a coaching position somewhere now that his grad assistant stint is over. Not sure if Ohio State might try to keep him on or if he will go elsewhere. Definitely a young guy but maybe that would help on the recruiting trail as was the case with Scottie and then more recently Faris.
Add Re'quan Boyette who moved from graduate assistant to coach when Leon Wright left for LSU.

Matt Guerrieri is a current graduate assistant (defense) whose recruiting skills have been recognized.

It's always interesting to see who Coach Cutcliffe brings in and what sort of organizational shifts occur. Openings allow upgrades.

Olympic Fan
01-18-2015, 04:52 PM
No inside knowledge, but the manner of Coach Petri's departure -- and his ultimate landing at Louisiana Tech makes me think his departure was not entirely voluntary.

I suspect that Coach Cut knows -- and knew before Coach Petri left -- exactly who he wants for the position.

VO? Maybe, but if I had to guess, I would guess we get somebody with a bit more experience ... or the move was made to open up a fulltime spot for Matt Guerrieri -- a grad assistant that I know Coach Cut thinks very, very highly of. Matt has coached the safeties for the last two years. Would a switch to DL be that surprising?

But I'm just guessing.

OldPhiKap
01-18-2015, 04:55 PM
Add Re'quan Boyette who moved from graduate assistant to coach when Leon Wright left for LSU.

Matt Guerrieri is a current graduate assistant (defense) whose recruiting skills have been recognized.

It's always interesting to see who Coach Cutcliffe brings in and what sort of organizational shifts occur. Openings allow upgrades.

And winning programs draw upgraded applicants. We need someone who can develop and scheme a good pass rush from the front four. Go Duke!

Dukehky
01-18-2015, 05:43 PM
No inside knowledge, but the manner of Coach Petri's departure -- and his ultimate landing at Louisiana Tech makes me think his departure was not entirely voluntary.

I suspect that Coach Cut knows -- and knew before Coach Petri left -- exactly who he wants for the position.

VO? Maybe, but if I had to guess, I would guess we get somebody with a bit more experience ... or the move was made to open up a fulltime spot for Matt Guerrieri -- a grad assistant that I know Coach Cut thinks very, very highly of. Matt has coached the safeties for the last two years. Would a switch to DL be that surprising?

But I'm just guessing.

We need to get a proven commodity at DL coach to help with recruiting, because the defensive line is where championships are won. The only group on the field where we don't have the athletes to control big time opponents.

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-19-2015, 04:44 PM
We're not the only ones who consider Jeremy Cash to be a valuable play maker! Check out this list of 20 outstanding players who chose to remain in college rather than go to the NFL. They're going make a difference for their college teams.

http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2015-01-18/top-20-returning-players-trevone-boykin-cardale-jones-dak-prescott/slide/5

nocilla
01-27-2015, 02:25 PM
Add Re'quan Boyette who moved from graduate assistant to coach when Leon Wright left for LSU.

Matt Guerrieri is a current graduate assistant (defense) whose recruiting skills have been recognized.

It's always interesting to see who Coach Cutcliffe brings in and what sort of organizational shifts occur. Openings allow upgrades.

Matt Guerrieri is promoted to assistant coach.

Comprehensive coaching responsibilities for the defensive staff will be announced at a later date.

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209866120&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Devil in the Blue Dress
01-27-2015, 03:16 PM
Matt Guerrieri is promoted to assistant coach.

Comprehensive coaching responsibilities for the defensive staff will be announced at a later date.

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209866120&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Had a nice conversation with Matt last Friday at the football banquet. His promotion is well timed since he's been a graduate assistant long enough to complete his graduate studies. He's not only done an exceptional job with the safeties, he's been recognized nationally for his recruiting skills and results. Matt's responsible for using social media to move the program's agenda forward. Now that we know that he's is staying on, I'm excited to see what comes next!

Bob Green
02-04-2015, 01:44 PM
From Coach Cutcliffe's press conference:


Laura Keeley ‏@laurakeeley · 29m29 minutes ago
rising R-Jr. Thomas Sirk will start the spring as the No. 1 QB. R-So. Parker Boehme as No. 2. R-Fr. Nico Pierre as No. 3

Devil in the Blue Dress
02-04-2015, 01:47 PM
Defensive staff responsibilities announced today.
http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209875796&DB_OEM_ID=4200

CameronBornAndBred
02-04-2015, 04:55 PM
From Coach Cutcliffe's press conference:
Laura Keeley ‏@laurakeeley · 29m29 minutes ago
rising R-Jr. Thomas Sirk will start the spring as the No. 1 QB. R-So. Parker Boehme as No. 2. R-Fr. Nico Pierre as No. 3
Really looking forward to that battle.

OldPhiKap
02-05-2015, 11:56 PM
Will Cash miss Spring practice? Any word on his scope?

Devil in the Blue Dress
02-06-2015, 12:50 AM
Will Cash miss Spring practice? Any word on his scope?

Jeremy will not participate in spring practice. It's my understanding that he'll be ready for next season. The article on goduke.com said he would be out indefinitely, but that's an overstatement.

devildeac
02-06-2015, 08:25 AM
From Laura Keeley, The quarterback search begins:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/02/05/4532948/spring-football-begins-quarterback.html

CameronBornAndBred
02-06-2015, 08:45 AM
From Laura Keeley, The quarterback search begins:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/02/05/4532948/spring-football-begins-quarterback.html

With Boone’s departure, Duke is left with three quarterbacks who have a combined 16 career pass attempts.
That's amazing.

CameronBornAndBred
02-06-2015, 01:29 PM
From Scottie Montgomery on Sirk.

"Fundamentally, we think he'll be great," offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery said in a recent interview with ESPN.com. "We've had him in our system now for a couple years, and he's been able to watch Anthony and see Anthony. He does have the ability to throw it a lot better than a lot people may think. He has a great bit of star power. A lot of people don't know about him, but he carries himself with a lot of confidence, he has great practice habits but he's also going to be challenged by a lot of guys around him. This is a position that has to play well for us to perform at the top of our abilities."

http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/80051/new-look-duke-ready-to-open-spring-practice

budwom
02-06-2015, 01:41 PM
I love the phrase "a great bit of star power."

Bob Green
02-06-2015, 04:15 PM
In the defense section of the ESPN article linked by CB&B, it states Duke will develop a hybrid rush end/linebacker spot with Kyler Brown as the prototype. I took a look at the roster at GoDuke recently and Deion Williams is now listed as a DE so I expect he will also figure into this new hybrid spot.


"It's something I've done at other places and wanted to do a long time around here," Knowles said in a recent phone interview. "Our recruiting is getting better, so we're able to market that and find guys that are talented and able to do it. Kyler Brown has played a lot of linebacker here and was an end last year for the first time. We recruited him a long time ago with this in mind. We told him to get your experience at linebacker, get your experience at D-end and now he will be able to be a true combo player knowing both."

Generating a solid pass rush would be a good thing!

Bob Green
02-08-2015, 05:36 AM
Here is a video clip from the first day of spring practice:

http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=3707822&db_oem_id=4200

The clip includes comments from Coach Cutcliffe, defensive tackle Carlos Wray and quarterback Thomas Sirk.

djp10
02-09-2015, 03:34 AM
Here is a video clip from the first day of spring practice:

http://www.goduke.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=3707822&db_oem_id=4200

The clip includes comments from Coach Cutcliffe, defensive tackle Carlos Wray and quarterback Thomas Sirk.

nice job, dave harding.

Devil in the Blue Dress
02-10-2015, 09:34 AM
More information about the spring football game has been released.
Date: Feb. 28
Time: 10A
Location: Practice field on campus
Not open to the public

Here's the full report:
http://www.heraldsun.com/sports/x681773720/Duke-spring-football-game-details

Olympic Fan
02-10-2015, 10:13 AM
More information about the spring football game has been released.
Date: Feb. 28
Time: 10A
Location: Practice field on campus
Not open to the public

Here's the full report:
http://www.heraldsun.com/sports/x681773720/Duke-spring-football-game-details

Its not open to the public, but it will be streamed live on ESPN3

CameronBornAndBred
02-10-2015, 11:06 AM
Any idea why they didn't use the Durham County stadium as some had speculated? Having the game not open to the public at Duke makes sense due to safety concerns, but not having it open to the public somewhere seems to a bit of a PR blunder.

OZZIE4DUKE
02-10-2015, 12:44 PM
Any idea why they didn't use the Durham County stadium as some had speculated? Having the game not open to the public at Duke makes sense due to safety concerns, but not having it open to the public somewhere seems to a bit of a PR blunder.

Not really. We can tailgate and watch the game with TNT's dish! I'll ask Brochu if they'll set up our tent!

Only half kidding if y'all are interested... :cool:

Olympic Fan
02-10-2015, 01:26 PM
Feb. 28 is going to be an interesting day at Duke.

10 am spring football game

1 p.m. home baseball game (vs. Rider, so maybe not a big deal)

??? Duke-Syracuse basketball (probably 6 or 7 pm start -- it's not set yet)

Bob Green
02-10-2015, 05:29 PM
More information about the spring football game has been released.
Date: Feb. 28
Time: 10A
Location: Practice field on campus
Not open to the public



A disappointing but understandable decision due to the ongoing construction. I was really looking forward to attending the game. ESPN3 is better than nothing.

Devil in the Blue Dress
02-10-2015, 05:50 PM
A disappointing but understandable decision due to the ongoing construction. I was really looking forward to attending the game. ESPN3 is better than nothing.

As I've gotten used to the notion of change in the stadium, I'm learning to look at a lot of things as minor since it's for only a year or maybe two if the project encounters delays. I can deal with that!;)

Bob Green
02-15-2015, 04:14 PM
http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/80221/expectations-high-for-deep-duke-rb-group?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Wilson quote:


“I’m very excited because the whole point of me doing that is to help me get into open space. With that comes a bigger role, and I have to learn a little bit more of the offense because a little more is on my shoulders.”

Wilson is a playmaker so it is exciting to read Scottie Montgomery is looking for more ways to get the ball in his hands!

djp10
02-16-2015, 04:08 PM
hadn't previously heard about him, so this is news to me (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/duke-s-sirk-set-to-take-over-role-as-no-1-qb/14448913/):


Sirk's jersey number now matches his place on the depth chart, but it won’t be without some sort of competition in spring and fall practice. Junior Kane Banner, redshirt sophomore Parker Boehme and redshirt freshman Nicodem Pierre are all studying the playbook as well.

profile: http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=208817464

highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/676269/highlights/32957373/v2

uh_no
02-16-2015, 04:19 PM
hadn't previously heard about him, so this is news to me (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/duke-s-sirk-set-to-take-over-role-as-no-1-qb/14448913/):



profile: http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=208817464

highlights: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/676269/highlights/32957373/v2

I would be very surprised if he has a legitimate chance. no doubt he's going to play his butt off to try to get that chance...and i would be disappointed if guys low on the depth chart DIDN'T have that mentality, but just like bball walk-ons are not threats for big minutes, despite practicing with everyone, I would imagine this is a similar situation.

Olympic Fan
02-16-2015, 06:14 PM
Kane Banner is not in the QB mix. He's a walk-on who will be running scout team when the season starts.

He's the QB equivalent to RB Eric Adams, a walk-on who led Duke in rushing in two spring games.

I'm sure he's good kid and works hard, but he's not a contender to start -- or even play -- at QB this season.

Bob Green
02-26-2015, 04:48 PM
The Devils Den has an interview up with Thomas Sirk:

http://duke.scout.com/story/1521144-spring-practice-conversation-qb-thomas-sirk?s=167

I like his answer to the question below. It is the question everyone has been asking.


We’ve seen you move the pile. We’ve seen the jump pass. What haven’t we seen from Thomas Sirk yet?

I don’t think you’ve seen my ability to throw yet. I’ve been asked a lot of questions about what kind of passer I am, and I think I have the ability to make a lot of the throws we need. We’re going to spread it out this year, but we’ve also got a lot of balance and we can use our running game to move up and down the field.

There is a lot more there so visit the link and give it a read. Reminder: the Spring Game is Saturday at 10 am with coverage on ESPN3.

peloton
02-26-2015, 05:59 PM
Bob, thanks for the info re:the interview...will definitely read it. Also, I for one appreciate the reminder about this Saturday's spring game. I printed off a spring game related article awhile back to remind me to watch it this weekend (my HTC One serves up reminders nicely but what can I say, I'm old school sometimes), but at my age one can't have too many reminders. I'm really looking forward to seeing Sirk in action albeit in a controlled situation. I think his passing skills are going to surprise some Duke football fans. We don't know much yet about the intangibles he might bring to the table...effective leadership skills, ability to put mistakes behind him and not dwell on them, etc., and I doubt a spring game is going to shed much light in that regard. However, I'm pretty optimistic about the QB situation next season with one David Cutcliffe in charge. I'll certainly be watching on ESPN3 come 10 a.m. this Saturday.

OldPhiKap
02-26-2015, 08:12 PM
Agreed, thanks for the reminder. Go Duke!

Bob Green
02-28-2015, 07:10 AM
Here is the link to the ESPN3 coverage of the Spring Game:

http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/id/2359338/Duke-Spring-Football?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4200

The following article at GoDuke says it will be a situational scrimmage from Pascal Field House:

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209911796&DB_OEM_ID=4200

CameronBornAndBred
02-28-2015, 10:30 AM
That sucked. It was a practice. At one point they showed both 1st and 2nd teams on field at same time, and the cameras kept swapping back and forth between the two; it made it impossible to get anything from anything. I stopped watching, I'll check out the highlights later.

uh_no
02-28-2015, 10:46 AM
That sucked. It was a practice. At one point they showed both 1st and 2nd teams on field at same time, and the cameras kept swapping back and forth between the two; it made it impossible to get anything from anything. I stopped watching, I'll check out the highlights later.

????

it's going on right now. teams are out there playing eachother right now.

thomas sirk just nailed a long bomb for a TD.

Boehme is taking snaps with the second vs second now....boehme missed a wide open long shot.

duncan back too. taking snaps with the second team.

pierre out there with the third team, also missed on the long ball.

nmduke2001
02-28-2015, 10:47 AM
Sirk with a long TD to Alls. Well thrown deep ball.

uh_no
02-28-2015, 10:54 AM
Sirk with a long TD to Alls. Well thrown deep ball.

yeah sirk looked pretty good on his couple passes....but hard to glean too much out of so few passes. One thing is clear at least for now the DC is Sirk Boehme Pierre. wouldn't be surprised to see all three getting reps in early season games.

Bob Green
02-28-2015, 11:15 AM
The camera has been focused way too much on the coaches running the drills. My desire is to observe the players executing the drills. I'm looking forward to the situational scrimmage.

uh_no
02-28-2015, 11:18 AM
The camera has been focused way too much on the coaches running the drills. My desire is to observe the players executing the drills. I'm looking forward to the situational scrimmage.

yeah...i'm trying to figure out which QB is on the field, and can hardly make the number out becase so much shots of scottie

CameronBornAndBred
02-28-2015, 11:28 AM
????

it's going on right now. teams are out there playing eachother right now.

thomas sirk just nailed a long bomb for a TD.

Boehme is taking snaps with the second vs second now....boehme missed a wide open long shot.

duncan back too. taking snaps with the second team.

pierre out there with the third team, also missed on the long ball.


yeah...i'm trying to figure out which QB is on the field, and can hardly make the number out becase so much shots of scottie
In a way, you just answered your own question. It was hard for me to follow, not like a real game.

CameronBornAndBred
02-28-2015, 11:43 AM
Did check in to see the team going head to head full, looking forward to rewatching that part. Watched a bit of Sirk, not a great series. One almost pick, one sack. Parker in now, not much better. That being said...it very well could be our D making an impact, which I like the though of.

P.S..also seen some nice Sirk passing...just fyi it's not all Debbie Downervision on my end. :D

uh_no
02-28-2015, 11:47 AM
boehme really doesn't have accuracy, he's missed short and long and middle at times. He is however showing to be a really crafty runner. sirk has been mostly pretty accurate, only one poor decision I can remember, and some very good tosses.

pierre hasn't gotten a huge number of reps.

It'll be excellent to have jela back. he doesn't look to have missed a step. with ajiebe powell and wilson (and cutcliffe was high on boden), we look to have another great stable of backs. combined with the fact that our depth there was certainly a factor late in some games tiring out opponents, we ought to be potent on the run.

uh_no
02-28-2015, 11:50 AM
sirk with a fantastic fade to the corner...ruled incomplete but replay shows a blown call
boehme put it in there too, but muffed by the WR.

OldPhiKap
02-28-2015, 11:51 AM
That was fun to watch. Really liked listening to Cut, and Montgomery's pep talk. The whole thing was crisp.

uh_no
02-28-2015, 11:53 AM
That was fun to watch. Really liked listening to Cut, and Montgomery's pep talk. The whole thing was crisp.

certainly. it was interesting to watch the types of plays they ran. just wish the guys talking would have focused on the play on the field rather than whatever the heck they were blabbering about.

Bob Green
02-28-2015, 11:54 AM
Tanner Stone (#79) was playing right guard with the 1s. Cody Robinson (#65) was in sweats and did not participate.

OldPhiKap
02-28-2015, 12:01 PM
certainly. it was interesting to watch the types of plays they ran. just wish the guys talking would have focused on the play on the field rather than whatever the heck they were blabbering about.

True, although I will say that Dave Harding is a better announcer than Shane is for Espn.

Bob Green
02-28-2015, 12:35 PM
...just wish the guys talking would have focused on the play on the field rather than whatever the heck they were blabbering about.

The commentary was disappointing.

A couple of more observations/questions:

1. Did anyone watching notice Trevon Lee (#84)? I never caught a glimpse of him.
2. We ran a significant number of plays out of two back formations, which reinforces my believe we will be a run first offense in 2015.
3. Tinashe Bere (#43) laid a big hit on Parker Boehme on a QB keeper. Bere, who redshirted last season, is projected to be the future at MLB.

brevity
02-28-2015, 12:46 PM
Duke football has broadcast spring practices in February. Still letting that sink in.

How many coaches and assistants of ACC opponents were watching that as well? Maybe the limited view was a form of trade secret protection.

And how many NFL coaches are doing some early scouting today? (I mean, besides Bill Belichick, who you could see setting up the cameras.)

Devil in the Blue Dress
02-28-2015, 12:50 PM
I know that what could be seen today was disappointing in how little was revealed.... the event was promoted as a situational practice and that's what it was. I kinda like the secrecy. How long has it been since Duke football had enough substance to keep it under wraps?

peloton
02-28-2015, 12:54 PM
That sucked. It was a practice.

Nothing against the Duke football program, but I had low expectations re:this - allow me to clarify. I had read on another forum (yes, as an avid Duke fan I peruse over other Duke related boards in addition to the always awesome DBR :)) where Cutcliffe said that this would in reality be more of a practice than a scrimmage/game. Would this have been different if Wallace Wade was usable? Who knows? As fans, we wanted to see the team really "show their stuff" via tangible evidence of what they're capable of. While the practice didn't satisfy some fans I imagine, there may very well be good reason(s) as to why Cutcliffe and staff chose to do this.

Several things:
1. I enjoyed the interviews with past Duke players (Juwan, Anthony, Laken, and Vinnie)...proud to have these guys associated with Duke football no matter how successful or not they are in the NFL
2. Even though this was a glorified practice, I think Thomas Sirk looked pretty accurate with his passes and appears to have a strong arm also
3. Maybe it's because he knew he was getting face time, but Jim Knowles seems to really enjoy coaching and appears to keep things in perspective...let's face it, while some of these guys will be playing on Sundays in the future, the vast majority won't be
4. I enjoyed hearing Coach Cutcliffe's comments for each player who received a spring practice award; let's face it, any organized team sport involves many repetitive drills and hard work which often seem like drudgery...it's good to see individuals recognized for their efforts and/or improvement (I realize most programs probably do this but as a fan I appreciate the fact that we were able to see this)

Devil in the Blue Dress
02-28-2015, 01:13 PM
The first public revelation of what this team can do will be September 3. Can't wait to see this team unleashed and will be there in person. Anybody else going to be present to usher in the new football season in New Orleans? :D

OldPhiKap
02-28-2015, 03:13 PM
Nice interviews with Cut and Matt Skura up on goduke.com.

Bob Green
03-01-2015, 08:34 AM
Here is a link to a nice article from Steve Wiseman:

http://www.heraldsun.com/news/showcase/x1271337566/Dukes-Cutcliffe-likes-what-he-sees-in-spring-game

A couple of snippets:


Duke’s new starting quarterback coming out of spring practice is the same guy who was atop the depth chart when it began. Thomas Sirk worked exclusively with the No. 1 offense on Saturday, throwing to first-team wide receivers Max McCaffrey, Terrence Alls and Johnell Barnes.


The defensive line had a strong day during the live-tackling scrimmage against the offense.

“I felt like we got after it today,” Wray said. “We got some hits on the quarterback and I saw the guys hustling around the football. Collectively as a unit, I think we did great.”

A lot more good stuff in the article.

devildeac
03-01-2015, 08:54 AM
Laura Keeley's observations from the Raleigh N&O this AM:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/02/28/4589671/defense-rules-in-duke-footballs.html

Carlos Wray sounded pleased:

“The defense definitely won,” defensive tackle Carlos Wray said. “They got behind the sticks (tackled for loss), they didn’t convert a fourth down, they missed the two-point conversion, which is what we call a game-winner, and the referees deemed that the pass over in the left corner of the end zone was incomplete, which gave us the W.”

(I like his observation of the incomplete pass ruling. We get all the calls;).)

uh_no
03-01-2015, 10:23 AM
Laura Keeley's observations from the Raleigh N&O this AM:

http://www.newsobserver.com/2015/02/28/4589671/defense-rules-in-duke-footballs.html

Carlos Wray sounded pleased:

“The defense definitely won,” defensive tackle Carlos Wray said. “They got behind the sticks (tackled for loss), they didn’t convert a fourth down, they missed the two-point conversion, which is what we call a game-winner, and the referees deemed that the pass over in the left corner of the end zone was incomplete, which gave us the W.”

(I like his observation of the incomplete pass ruling. We get all the calls;).)

It was pretty clear the reffs botched that one. it would almost certainly have been overturned on replay in a real game.

It was a fantastic throw by sirk and a great catch by (not sure)

devildeac
03-01-2015, 10:49 AM
It was pretty clear the reffs botched that one. it would almost certainly have been overturned on replay in a real game.

It was a fantastic throw by sirk and a great catch by (not sure)

I kinda figured that from the way Carlos phrased it and was amused by his observation;).

Bob Green
03-06-2015, 03:43 PM
Terrence Alls and T.J. Douglas have been suspended from game competition:

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209930693&DB_OEM_ID=4200


Duke head football coach David Cutcliffe announced on Friday the suspension of wide receiver Terrence Alls and defensive back T.J. Douglas from game competition. The suspension is indefinite in length until the student-athletes uphold the academic, athletic and community standards required of a member of the Blue Devil program.

OldPhiKap
03-06-2015, 03:46 PM
Terrence Alls and T.J. Douglas have been suspended from game competition:

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209930693&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Sorry to hear it for the players, glad to hear that our staff is expecting the rules to be followed.

Hope it is nothing too serious, and that the young men learn and grow.

devildeac
03-06-2015, 04:30 PM
Terrence Alls and T.J. Douglas have been suspended from game competition:

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=209930693&DB_OEM_ID=4200

Chronicle article next week?:rolleyes:

OldPhiKap
03-06-2015, 04:48 PM
Chronicle article next week?:rolleyes:

No, the week before Bowl Selection.

Devil in the Blue Dress
03-06-2015, 05:00 PM
The Chronicle has already issued their first story on this announcement.
https://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2015/03/06/cutcliffe-suspends-alls-douglas-game-competition#.VPojBeF0fYg

budwom
03-06-2015, 05:15 PM
Given the precise wording that they are suspended from game competition, and given that our next game is fully six months from now, this looks like a really little deal.

uh_no
03-06-2015, 06:54 PM
Given the precise wording that they are suspended from game competition, and given that our next game is fully six months from now, this looks like a really little deal.

the "important" thing is it's only a suspension from "game competition," which means it's not a university issue, a-la Jela Duncan.

My guess is it's missing class, or not turning in requisite work, which while not against university policy, will get you put on academic probation really quickly. I would imagine that if they get their butts in gear and finish out the semester strong, they may find their way back in good graces.

Seemingly they would still be allowed to practice, which indicates it's not something "super serious," and further that Cut expects them to be on the field at some point (or allowing them to practice would be meaningless).

It harkens back to the dean quote about just doing the right thing. It's amazing how few coaches out there DO it, can who believe they can win while still doing it. It's such a shame that other schools don't do a service to their players. And i'm not JUST talking about carolina...i'm talking about so many of these big football schools....you think Jimbo Fisher taught jameis how to be a decent human being? Johnny Manziel certainly didn't learn at A&M...and these are guys that will still make millions, unlike the guys who don't make the league and end up with a wasted life....F that. College sports are almost like the lottery in some respects. It preys on the people who thing they can have dream of millions, when in the end, very few do...and those that don't get spat out...unless they have a coach who forces them to do the things they need to do to succeed outside the sport as well.

Thank god Cut and K do.

Not to change the topic, but it reminds me of the vandy (?) coach who said he was going to "kill" his player who was being a jerk on the floor. I don't condone the manner in which he acted on the court that day, and certainly condemn the verbiage he used. But I prefer it many times over to the coach who doesn't care at all.

OldPhiKap
03-11-2015, 08:18 AM
Am I correct that we got through spring ball without serious injury? Knock on wood, didn't hear any reports and assume we are done by now.

roywhite
03-11-2015, 10:05 AM
Am I correct that we got through spring ball without serious injury? Knock on wood, didn't hear any reports and assume we are done by now.

Sure sign that spring is coming....Duke's spring football practice has been over for nearly 2 weeks. :D

Yes, no significant injury issues so far as I know. Fingers crossed for a healthy season for our 6th year guys, Kelby Brown and Braxton Deaver (who both did not participate in practice).

johnb
03-11-2015, 11:30 AM
the "important" thing is it's only a suspension from "game competition," which means it's not a university issue, a-la Jela Duncan.

My guess is it's missing class, or not turning in requisite work, which while not against university policy, will get you put on academic probation really quickly. I would imagine that if they get their butts in gear and finish out the semester strong, they may find their way back in good graces.

I missed class and forgot homework on a semi-regular basis. Not terribly often, but probably often enough that I'd have been in trouble if I'd been a high-level athlete. Presumably, this behavior would have led me to being on the all-acc academic team and on a suspension at the same time.

Duvall
04-16-2015, 12:46 PM
K Jack Willoughby transferring to Ohio State for his senior season. (http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2015/04/16/duke-football-kicker-jack-willoughby-finish-out-college-career-ohio-state#.VS_gK_nF_Tp)

Wants to compete for the full-time placekicking job there. Good luck to him.

CameronBornAndBred
04-16-2015, 12:53 PM
K Jack Willoughby transferring to Ohio State for his senior season. (http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2015/04/16/duke-football-kicker-jack-willoughby-finish-out-college-career-ohio-state#.VS_gK_nF_Tp)

Wants to compete for the full-time placekicking job there. Good luck to him.
I liked reading about the support that he has gotten not only from Cutcliffe and company but from past players as well.

“My parents have been very supportive throughout the whole thing,” Willoughby said. “Also, Alex King, who did a similar thing a few years ago, transferring from Duke to Texas to punt, was really supportive and helped me get my feet on the ground. And then I can’t speak enough about how supportive [Duke head coach David] Cutcliffe has been and the whole Duke staff with letting me continue to work out and use the facilities and speaking on my behalf.”

Devil in the Blue Dress
04-16-2015, 01:06 PM
K Jack Willoughby transferring to Ohio State for his senior season. (http://www.dukechronicle.com/articles/2015/04/16/duke-football-kicker-jack-willoughby-finish-out-college-career-ohio-state#.VS_gK_nF_Tp)

Wants to compete for the full-time placekicking job there. Good luck to him.

Vince Oghobaase continues to be on the staff at tOSU, so Jack will find a continuing connection with Duke.

OldPhiKap
04-16-2015, 01:08 PM
Good luck, Jack.

Go Duke!

roywhite
04-16-2015, 01:16 PM
I liked reading about the support that he has gotten not only from Cutcliffe and company but from past players as well.

So, he was the "player to be named later" in the trade with tOSU that brought us Jeremy Cash?



**citation to TDD poster joelgro

Bob Green
04-18-2015, 07:03 AM
Kelby Brown and Jeremy Cash named to 2015 Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch list:

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=22672&SPID=1843&DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=210030207&DB_OEM_ID=4200


Redshirt senior linebacker Kelby Brown and redshirt senior safety Jeremy Cash are two of 42 student-athlete nominees for the 12th annual Lott IMPACT Trophy, which honors the top defensive player in college football who makes the biggest impact for his team, both on and off the field.

Bob Green
04-19-2015, 04:11 PM
If you're interested in participating in a little poll skewing:

http://duke.scout.com/forums/1093-tdd-football/13810319-acc-fan-poll?s=167

roywhite
04-22-2015, 07:26 PM
We knew he was fast when we watched some of his kick returns.

DeVon recently ran a 10.61 100m when competing with the track team. That puts him 4th on the all-time Duke list for that event.

BlueTeuf
04-22-2015, 07:46 PM
Always nice to dredge up that cool story about DeVon and Coach Cutcliffe -

http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/95854/devon-edwards-goes-from-unknown-to-elite

Bob Green
04-22-2015, 07:51 PM
David Cutcliffe comments from the ACC Teleconference:


"I thought Sirk had a great spring throwing the ball. He's a big guy who can really throw it,"
"When you throw in Nico Pierre, the three are the best running group we've had. But all three can throw it,"
"Sirk is our No. 1. Parker Boehme is our No. 2. Parker had a great spring. I gain more & more confidence in both,"
"I thought our receivers had an exceptional spring. Our receivers led the way for our team. I was pleased with their work,"
"The leadership of Kelby Brown and Braxton Deaver was felt all spring. It was like having 11 coaches and not nine out there,"
"Marquies Price is a midyear guy, and he has a ways to go, but has the potential to be as talented as anybody we've had."
"I was really pleased with our starters. AJ Wolf solidified himself starting alongside Carlos Wray. He's ready & showed it."

All of the above plagiarized from various Twitter accounts. There are more quotes available.

johnb
05-12-2015, 11:39 AM
Did we talk about Sporting News ranking Cut the best coach in the ACC? Ahead of those hacks at FSU and Clemson...

This might be old news, but I could't figure out when this was published, but judging from rankings in previous years, it's relatively new:

http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4643995-acc-coach-rankings-2015-cutcliffe-jimbo-fisher-dabo-swinney-paul-johnson-petrino

94duke
05-14-2015, 04:04 PM
I saw a few articles previewing the quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers. I don't remember seeing them posted here, yet.

quarter backs:
http://balldurham.com/2015/05/02/duke-football-team-preview-quarterback/

running backs:
http://balldurham.com/2015/05/07/duke-football-team-preview-running-back/

wide receivers:
http://balldurham.com/2015/05/13/duke-football-team-preview-wide-receiver/

Bob Green
05-15-2015, 03:01 PM
Here are the times we know:

Sept 3: @ Tulane 9:30 pm (CBS Sports Network)
Sept 12: NCCU 6:00 pm (ESPN3)
Sept 19: Northwestern 12:30 pm (ACC Network)
Oct 10: @ Army 12:00 pm (CBS Sports Network)

http://www.goduke.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=4200&ATCLID=210091588

nyesq83
05-16-2015, 04:22 AM
Yes, bumping this up.

Coach Cut is one of a kind and we have him!

Bob Green
05-16-2015, 07:27 AM
Did any of y'all receive a fan survey from Duke football? One showed up in my email yesterday or the day before with one of the questions being preferred kickoff time. I answered 3:30 pm. I am sure we all agree 12:30 pm is too early, but while lots of folks like 6:00 pm or even 7:00 pm start times, I prefer late afternoon.

There was also a question, "How can your football game day experience be improved" or something along those lines, that allowed you to type in a detailed response. I told them to turn down the volume on the damn video scoreboard during timeouts and between plays, etc...

OldPhiKap
05-16-2015, 09:37 AM
Did any of y'all receive a fan survey from Duke football? One showed up in my email yesterday or the day before with one of the questions being preferred kickoff time. I answered 3:30 pm. I am sure we all agree 12:30 pm is too early, but while lots of folks like 6:00 pm or even 7:00 pm start times, I prefer late afternoon.

There was also a question, "How can your football game day experience be improved" or something along those lines, that allowed you to type in a detailed response. I told them to turn down the volume on the damn video scoreboard during timeouts and between plays, etc...

It does not take long to complete, a good way for feedback.

dpslaw
05-16-2015, 02:06 PM
Did any of y'all receive a fan survey from Duke football? One showed up in my email yesterday or the day before with one of the questions being preferred kickoff time. I answered 3:30 pm. I am sure we all agree 12:30 pm is too early, but while lots of folks like 6:00 pm or even 7:00 pm start times, I prefer late afternoon.

There was also a question, "How can your football game day experience be improved" or something along those lines, that allowed you to type in a detailed response. I told them to turn down the volume on the damn video scoreboard during timeouts and between plays, etc...

I agree, Bob. And they need to get the hell off of my lawn. :p

Acymetric
05-16-2015, 03:05 PM
Did any of y'all receive a fan survey from Duke football? One showed up in my email yesterday or the day before with one of the questions being preferred kickoff time. I answered 3:30 pm. I am sure we all agree 12:30 pm is too early, but while lots of folks like 6:00 pm or even 7:00 pm start times, I prefer late afternoon.

There was also a question, "How can your football game day experience be improved" or something along those lines, that allowed you to type in a detailed response. I told them to turn down the volume on the damn video scoreboard during timeouts and between plays, etc...

Probably not going to see the audio during stoppages get quieter (that would be an improvement in Cameron where the timeout music is absolutely blaring).

I think the survey would be better served if they asked for what kickoff time people explicitly do not like because it better shows what kickoff times would be likely to hurt attendance.

OldPhiKap
05-16-2015, 03:23 PM
Probably not going to see the audio during stoppages get quieter (that would be an improvement in Cameron where the timeout music is absolutely blaring).

I think the survey would be better served if they asked for what kickoff time people explicitly do not like because it better shows what kickoff times would be likely to hurt attendance.

Game time depends on whether we are talking early September or late November too. Heat can be brutal early in the season.