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chrishoke
01-28-2019, 08:56 AM
Malik Bowen, a three star wide receiver from Tenn. became Duke's second commitment for 2020. Both our commitments are WRs. Welcome to DukeGang Malik!

chrishoke
01-28-2019, 03:23 PM
Here is a 247 article on the commitment. https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/malik-bowen-duke-blue-devils-commitment-128394189/

Rivals has him ranked at 5.7, right on the cusp of a 4 star.

Bob Green
01-28-2019, 03:40 PM
Welcome to Duke, Malik Bowen!


Both our commitments are WRs.

The first commit is Nicky Dalmolin (http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/232768/nicky-dalmolin) who is ranked #293 on the ESPN300 list.

OZZIE4DUKE
01-28-2019, 05:49 PM
Welcome to Duke, Malik Bowen!



The first commit is Nicky Dalmolin (http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/232768/nicky-dalmolin) who is ranked #293 on the ESPN300 list.

The link shows him as 6'4" and 199 pounds! Excellent size for a wide receiver! Is 4.6 fast enough (asks someone who couldn't run that fast for 20 yards....when he was young enough to run that far :rolleyes:) ?

Listen to Quants
01-28-2019, 06:14 PM
The link shows him as 6'4" and 199 pounds! Excellent size for a wide receiver! Is 4.6 fast enough (asks someone who couldn't run that fast for 20 yards...when he was young enough to run that far :rolleyes:) ?

Easily, particularly if it's actually an electronic timed 4.6 (they run something like .1 slower than hand timed). The combine 40 of Julian Edelman was listed as 4.52 and he gets open against starter NFL's CBs. Quickness. Obviously, big receivers are 'always' open in the sense of a 'box out' catch. Or so think I.

jimsumner
01-28-2019, 06:57 PM
The link shows him as 6'4" and 199 pounds! Excellent size for a wide receiver! Is 4.6 fast enough (asks someone who couldn't run that fast for 20 yards...when he was young enough to run that far :rolleyes:) ?

Maybe he's a Jake Bobo analog. Cut has prioritized finding bigger wide receivers in an effort to combat what he calls "hand-to-hand-combat" between DBs and WRs.

HereBeforeCoachK
01-28-2019, 08:56 PM
Maybe he's a Jake Bobo analog. Cut has prioritized finding bigger wide receivers in an effort to combat what he calls "hand-to-hand-combat" between DBs and WRs.

If he has Bobo's hands, I'm all for it.

OZZIE4DUKE
01-28-2019, 09:02 PM
Maybe he's a Jake Bobo analog. Cut has prioritized finding bigger wide receivers in an effort to combat what he calls "hand-to-hand-combat" between DBs and WRs.


If he has Bobo's hands, I'm all for it.
Amen to that! We need more Bobo next season. LGD GTHc!

Faison1
01-28-2019, 10:24 PM
Maybe he's a Jake Bobo analog. Cut has prioritized finding bigger wide receivers in an effort to combat what he calls "hand-to-hand-combat" between DBs and WRs.

Great write up on next season, Jim! I'm actually optimistic we can get to 6 wins. The defense should be better, considering we were missing Ben and JGH for long stretches this season. I like our O-line and backs. And, if our playcaller is above average, I like the outlook for getting back to a bowl.

Devil in the Blue Dress
02-04-2019, 11:43 PM
Duke got a QB commit today to the 2020 class. Luca Diamont from Los Angeles. Primary recruiter: Jeff Faris Secondary recruiter: Zach Roper.
https://247sports.com/Article/Luca-Diamont-breaks-down-his-commitment-to-Duke-128703430/

OldPhiKap
02-05-2019, 02:53 AM
Duke got a QB commit today to the 2020 class. Luca Diamont from Los Angeles. Primary recruiter: Jeff Faris Secondary recruiter: Zach Roper.
https://247sports.com/Article/Luca-Diamont-breaks-down-his-commitment-to-Duke-128703430/

Welcome, Luca!

Bob Green
02-05-2019, 04:40 AM
Not rated by ESPN but nice offer sheet: Alabama, Miss St, Missouri, Ole Miss, Indiana.

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/228592/luca-diamont

chrishoke
02-05-2019, 07:18 AM
Luca is rated at 5.8, a four star recruit by Rivals. Great, great pickup. Now let's keep him.
Welcome to DukeGang Luca!
I love that he stressed academics in his commitment comments.

Teton Jack
02-05-2019, 07:52 AM
Nice freshman video. Apparently lost his sophomore year when he fell off a golf cart and suffered a fractured skull and concussion. He looks like a keeper. Love the 100% completion rate.

HereBeforeCoachK
02-05-2019, 07:54 AM
Nice freshman video. Apparently lost his sophomore year when he fell off a golf cart and suffered a fractured skull and concussion. He looks like a keeper. Love the 100% completion rate.

Losing that soph season probably hurt some of his recruiting ratings too.....

BTW, has Duke had a Cali QB since Bennett?

budwom
02-05-2019, 08:29 AM
he sounds fully committed, but these LA kids worry me...very interesting recruit, and probably Duke's first Jewish QB in some time (Dad is a soap opera star, evidently, check him out on Wikipedia)

CameronBornAndBred
02-05-2019, 08:55 AM
he sounds fully committed, but these LA kids worry me...very interesting recruit, and probably Duke's first Jewish QB in some time (Dad is a soap opera star, evidently, check him out on Wikipedia)
I'm with you; I'll be convinced when he signs.


Going in to his recent unofficial visit, Diamont said he wasn’t planning to make such a quick commitment but everything just fell in to place for him that way.
We know the other schools won't be stopping their pursuit. Impressive offer list.

budwom
02-05-2019, 09:11 AM
I imagine Cut (given past experience with QBs in general and California kids in particular) tried to make it abundantly clear that he wants a commitment to be firm and final...Luca, when USC or UCLA calls, will you still be committed to Duke?

OldPhiKap
02-05-2019, 09:14 AM
Losing that soph season probably hurt some of his recruiting ratings too....

BTW, has Duke had a Cali QB since Bennett?

Brandon Connette was from Cali, although not sure if your question is limited to starters or not.

Avvocato
02-05-2019, 10:45 AM
Huge commitment. QB had to be the #1 priority for this class, and to get one early is great. Takes some pressure off. Of course, like others, I get nervous when a recruit commits early (or earlier than he planned). They have a tendency to then sit back and maybe re-think, especially when others try to get in their ear. Hope he's as committed as he sounds. There's a great opportunity for him here, and we need a quality quarterback in this class. Welcome to Duke. Here's to seeing you in Durham in the fall of 2020.

duke79
02-05-2019, 11:04 AM
I imagine Cut (given past experience with QBs in general and California kids in particular) tried to make it abundantly clear that he wants a commitment to be firm and final...Luca, when USC or UCLA calls, will you still be committed to Duke?

"USC, UCLA ....or Stanford"........I would say!

I hope he keeps his commitment but 2020 is a long way off. A lot can happen, in the meantime.

I like when he said that this is not a four-year decision but a LIFETIME decision. Smart, perceptive kid!

johnb
02-05-2019, 11:50 AM
Losing that soph season probably hurt some of his recruiting ratings too....

BTW, has Duke had a Cali QB since Bennett?

DeMarcus Nelson was an all state quarterback, though that was 17 yrs ago, and he quit football after his sophomore year.

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/SPORTS-Young-Vallejo-basketball-star-keeps-fame-2782083.php

budwom
02-05-2019, 01:54 PM
"USC, UCLA ...or Stanford"....I would say!

I hope he keeps his commitment but 2020 is a long way off. A lot can happen, in the meantime.

I like when he said that this is not a four-year decision but a LIFETIME decision. Smart, perceptive kid!

ah Stanford, for sure, but he's from Venice (that's something) and probably prefers the gnarly waves and sticky buds of Southern California more, if Jeff Spicoli is any indication :cool:
Stanford's like almost in Canada or something...

cato
02-05-2019, 04:17 PM
ah Stanford, for sure, but he's from Venice (that's something) and probably prefers the gnarly waves and sticky buds of Southern California more, if Jeff Spicoli is any indication :cool:
Stanford's like almost in Canada or something...

Well, the waves are bigger and the bud is stickier in NorCal, but the summers are cold, the water is colder and the Great Whites bite up there, so on balance I think Jeff was on to something.

mattman91
02-05-2019, 04:36 PM
Duke got a QB commit today to the 2020 class. Luca Diamont from Los Angeles. Primary recruiter: Jeff Faris Secondary recruiter: Zach Roper.
https://247sports.com/Article/Luca-Diamont-breaks-down-his-commitment-to-Duke-128703430/

But can he play PG?

Bob Green
03-01-2019, 10:30 PM
Navy Shuler has picked up an offer from Duke:

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/high-school/hshuddle/2019/03/01/christ-schools-navy-shuler-picks-up-third-offer/3034512002/


Christ School quarterback Navy Shuler has picked up his third college offer.

Shuler, who threw for over 4,000 yards during his junior season, announced an offer from Duke on Friday evening on social media. This is Shuler's first Power 5 Conference offer.

Shuler's first Division I offers were from Tulane and Charlotte.

Reilly
03-01-2019, 10:35 PM
Navy Shuler has picked up an offer from Duke:

https://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/high-school/hshuddle/2019/03/01/christ-schools-navy-shuler-picks-up-third-offer/3034512002/

Son of Heath: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/high-school/hshuddle/2018/11/05/christ-schools-navy-shuler-breaks-fathers-passing-record/1893308002/

Cut was at UT when Heath was.

Devil in the Blue Dress
03-01-2019, 10:43 PM
Son of Heath: https://www.citizen-times.com/story/sports/high-school/hshuddle/2018/11/05/christ-schools-navy-shuler-breaks-fathers-passing-record/1893308002/

Cut was at UT when Heath was.

He's attending the same school that the Plumlees did.

chrishoke
04-01-2019, 09:26 AM
BangBang DukeGang!
Three star Texas outside LB Christian Hood commits to the Devils. Multiple P5 offers.
Welcome to Duke football Christian!

OZZIE4DUKE
04-01-2019, 10:27 AM
BangBang DukeGang!
Three star Texas outside LB Christian Hood commits to the Devils. Multiple P5 offers.
Welcome to Duke football Christian!

A ray of sunshine on a dismal April Fools Day! Welcome to Duke!

Bob Green
04-01-2019, 04:59 PM
BangBang DukeGang!

Thanks Chris! We all are in need of good news after a tough weekend.

chrishoke
04-10-2019, 05:15 PM
BangBang DukeGang!
Three star Tennessee offensive lineman Graham Barton commits to the Devils. Multiple P5 offers.
Welcome to Duke football Graham!

https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/graham-barton-duke-blue-devils-football-recruiting-131081177/

martydoesntfoul
04-10-2019, 06:00 PM
Duke got a QB commit today to the 2020 class. Luca Diamont from Los Angeles. Primary recruiter: Jeff Faris Secondary recruiter: Zach Roper.
https://247sports.com/Article/Luca-Diamont-breaks-down-his-commitment-to-Duke-128703430/Luca in the Sky with Diamonts... thoughts!?

HereBeforeCoachK
04-10-2019, 06:44 PM
Luca in the Sky with Diamonts... thoughts!?

maybe a Diamont in the rough....

Bob Green
04-10-2019, 06:47 PM
Multiple P5 offers.

Music to my ears! Thanks for the good news.

jimsumner
04-10-2019, 10:29 PM
BangBang DukeGang!
Three star Tennessee offensive lineman Graham Barton commits to the Devils. Multiple P5 offers.
Welcome to Duke football Graham!

https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/graham-barton-duke-blue-devils-football-recruiting-131081177/

Here's a local take on Barton.

https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/04/10/football-recruiting-ravenwood-lineman-graham-barton-chooses-duke/3426759002/


He's listed at 6-4, 260, so he is going to have to make friends with the weight room.

devildeac
04-10-2019, 10:37 PM
Here's a local take on Barton.

https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/high-school/2019/04/10/football-recruiting-ravenwood-lineman-graham-barton-chooses-duke/3426759002/


He's listed at 6-4, 260, so he is going to have to make friends with the weight room.

"Barton, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound offensive tackle, announced his college commitment to the Blue Devils and coach David Cutcliffe on Wednesday on Twitter."

Are we using ACC concrete masonry units or SEC cinder blocks for these measurements?

;)

jimsumner
04-10-2019, 10:57 PM
"Barton, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound offensive tackle, announced his college commitment to the Blue Devils and coach David Cutcliffe on Wednesday on Twitter."

Are we using ACC concrete masonry units or SEC cinder blocks for these measurements?

;)

Twitter adds 10 pounds.

devildeac
04-10-2019, 11:06 PM
Twitter adds 10 pounds.

Only 10? (LOL)

Indoor66
04-11-2019, 07:51 AM
Twitter adds 10 pounds.

You always look bigger in Twitters.

Personally, I never wear them any more.

Bob Green
04-15-2019, 06:14 PM
BangBang! DukeGang!

Safety Isaiah Fisher-Smith verbals to Duke.

chrishoke
04-15-2019, 06:21 PM
BangBang! DukeGang!

Safety Isaiah Fisher-Smith verbals to Duke.

Tx. Bob. Greensboro Page product with offers from NC and WF among others. Rivals has him the 22nd ranked player in NC.

Welcome to the Duke football family Isaiah.

chrishoke
05-24-2019, 05:21 PM
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/Four-Star-Friday-Five-star-candidate-emerges-in-Florida-1322947
Duke OL recruit Graham Barton is now a 4 star and is ranked in the top 247 recruits in the country.

OldPhiKap
05-24-2019, 06:08 PM
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/Four-Star-Friday-Five-star-candidate-emerges-in-Florida-1322947
Duke OL recruit Graham Barton is now a 4 star and is ranked in the top 247 recruits in the country.

“Duke bump”

chrishoke
05-24-2019, 06:25 PM
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/Four-Star-Friday-Five-star-candidate-emerges-in-Florida-1322947
Duke OL recruit Graham Barton is now a 4 star and is ranked in the top 247 recruits in the country.

From the article:
"**Graham Barton, OG, Brentwood (Tenn.) Ravenwood – The Duke pledge was among the standouts in what was termed as one of the strongest offensive line camps in recent memory. Barton impressed us in person with his lateral agility and reactive quickness along with strong technique and hands. The 6-foot-5, 280-pounder’s junior video is also impressive with the 4.62 shuttle time translating over to the field. He gets to the second level with ease, plays with desirable leverage and does a nice job finishing blocks. - Power
The move - Re-ranked as a guard, Barton has a new rating of 90, moving into the Top247 at No. 224."

Bob Green
05-24-2019, 07:38 PM
Great news! -- however -- "Re-ranked as a guard." We need offensive tackles in the worse way. A serious position of need. Of course, the position players are ranked at/recruited at and what position they ultimately play are independent.

chrishoke
06-19-2019, 07:45 AM
BangBang DukeGang. Sound the alarm. Duke receives a commitment from an offensive tackle - 6'5"' 285 lbs - from Texas with many P5 offers. I can't link an article right now. Bob Green?

Welcome to Duke big guy! Love the hogs.

sagegrouse
06-19-2019, 08:19 AM
BangBang DukeGang. Sound the alarm. Duke receives a commitment from an offensive tackle - 6'5"' 285 lbs - from Texas with many P5 offers. I can't link an article right now. Bob Green?

Welcome to Duke big guy! Love the hogs.

Maybe this guy (https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/three-star-offensive-lineman-calib-perez-spurns-local-programs-to-commit-to-Duke-132975988/).

Calib Perez from Pearland, just south of Houston.

Per Devil's Den:

Ranked as a three star prospect and the nation's No. 65 offensive tackle according to 247Sports.com, Perez chose the Blue Devils over commutable scholarship offers from Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Baylor, Colorado State, Houston, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska and others.

chrishoke
06-19-2019, 08:48 AM
Maybe this guy (https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/three-star-offensive-lineman-calib-perez-spurns-local-programs-to-commit-to-Duke-132975988/).

Calib Perez from Pearland, just south of Houston.

Per Devil's Den:

Yes. Thanks Sage. The big guy had 29 offers by my count.

OldPhiKap
06-19-2019, 09:33 AM
Welcome, Calib!

Acymetric
06-19-2019, 09:35 AM
Maybe this guy (https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/three-star-offensive-lineman-calib-perez-spurns-local-programs-to-commit-to-Duke-132975988/).

Calib Perez from Pearland, just south of Houston.

Per Devil's Den:
"Ranked as a three star prospect and the nation's No. 65 offensive tackle according to 247Sports.com, Perez chose the Blue Devils over commutable scholarship offers from Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Baylor, Colorado State, Houston, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska and others."

Am I the only one taken aback by the way "commutable" was dropped in there?

sagegrouse
06-19-2019, 09:41 AM
Am I the only one taken aback by the way "commutable" was dropped in there?

I saw it -- what the heck does it mean?

ratamero
06-19-2019, 09:47 AM
I'm going to guess it's a typo and they actually mean "commitable".

johnb
06-19-2019, 10:09 AM
Maybe he could "commute" from his home in south Texas to colleges throughout Texas, as well as to Oklahoma, Arizona, etc. Being from Texas, however, the map on one's phone may not give an accurate impression of actual distances. We just had a family reunion at Lake Texoma (extra credit if you can guess the 2 states involved)--cousins from McAllen, Texas would have had to drive 582 miles to get there. A long in-state commute.

Or, maybe his sentence at a sequestered Football Program that is one whistleblower away from the death penalty has been commuted to 4-5 years at a Duke football program in which almost all of the players graduate from the nearby college.

brlftz
06-19-2019, 12:27 PM
I'm going to guess it's a typo and they actually mean "commitable".

Or "comparable"

OldPhiKap
06-19-2019, 12:55 PM
As long as he is not communicable.

CameronBornAndBred
06-19-2019, 01:12 PM
At 6'5", 285, he's a big dude.
Maybe it was meant to be like Sean May's scholarship..."consumable".

OldPhiKap
06-19-2019, 01:23 PM
At 6'5", 285, he's a big dude.
Maybe it was meant to be like Sean May's scholarship..."consumable".

Or he has a really good motor -- so he's combustible.

Bob Green
06-19-2019, 03:01 PM
This is great news! I'm always excited when a big lineman commits because games are won in the trenches.

chrishoke
06-20-2019, 08:01 AM
Anybody know or have an opinion re why Duke is lagging behind this year in the number of commitments we have received vs other ACC schools? In recent years Duke has tended to lead the league in early commitments. This year we have 7 while 9 ACC teams have double digit recruits with many schools on the 15-18 range. Thoughts?

Acymetric
06-20-2019, 08:30 AM
Anybody know or have an opinion re why Duke is lagging behind this year in the number of commitments we have received vs other ACC schools? In recent years Duke has tended to lead the league in early commitments. This year we have 7 while 9 ACC teams have double digit recruits with many schools on the 15-18 range. Thoughts?

Hopefully it's just a change in recruiting strategy, holding out more for guys we want (I think in the past we tended to go with a "first to commit" approach) and no that we're struggling on the recruiting trail.

Indoor66
06-20-2019, 09:01 AM
Maybe it is a different group of kids and no more than that.

Acymetric
06-20-2019, 12:05 PM
Maybe it is a different group of kids and no more than that.

I think there is more to it than that, Cut has a pattern with recruiting and filling up the class with commits early that has held true every season he's been here. This season is quite different...it doesn't mean something dark and sinister is happening, but something is different an I don't think "after 10 years kids have suddenly become very different in 2019" is a compelling explanation.

Teton Jack
06-20-2019, 01:49 PM
I have seen on 247sports.com that Duke is in the running for some top offensive talent, including a 4* quarterback and WR. Maybe some dominoes will fall our way.

Bob Green
06-20-2019, 03:44 PM
I have seen on 247sports.com that Duke is in the running for some top offensive talent, including a 4* quarterback and WR. Maybe some dominoes will fall our way.

Duke already has verbal commit from a 4* quarterback: Luca Diamont (http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/228592/luca-diamont).

Of course, I am all for more dominoes falling our way.

CameronBornAndBred
06-20-2019, 05:35 PM
Duke already has verbal commit from a 4* quarterback: Luca Diamont (http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/228592/luca-diamont).

Of course, I am all for more dominoes falling our way.

California guy...not holding my breath. :rolleyes:

chrishoke
06-20-2019, 05:42 PM
BangBang DukeGang!!!

Adam Rowe Retweeted Michael Reese
Three-Star DT Michael Reese commits to #DukeGang20 over numerous Power 5 offers - another big boy.
https://247sports.com/player/michael-reese-46058735/ …

Bob Green
06-20-2019, 06:21 PM
Three-Star DT Michael Reese commits to #DukeGang20 over numerous Power 5 offers - another big boy.

Fantastic! Those big linemen peg my excitement meter.

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/237926/michael-reese

Picked Duke over Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.

chrishoke
06-20-2019, 06:38 PM
Fantastic! Those big linemen peg my excitement meter.

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/237926/michael-reese

Picked Duke over Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest.

Also Missouri according to Rivals.
That brings our commitments to eight.

arnie
06-20-2019, 08:16 PM
Apparently a DT from Knightdale (Triangle area) just committed to Duke. His list of suitors is not that impressive, but good to land a local kid. No link yet.

arnie
06-20-2019, 08:27 PM
Apparently a DT from Knightdale (Triangle area) just committed to Duke. His list of suitors is not that impressive, but good to land a local kid. No link yet.

https://twitter.com/AeneasTheGod_/status/1141841696499654660/photo/1

devildeac
06-20-2019, 08:27 PM
Apparently a DT from Knightdale (Triangle area) just committed to Duke. His list of suitors is not that impressive, but good to land a local kid. No link yet.

This is from 2 hours ago. His photo lists Knightdale HS so this must be the guy:


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9ii-CTXoAEczHU.jpg

Looks like 6-2/265 DT and 1st team all conference.

Welcome!!

chrishoke
06-20-2019, 08:57 PM
That's a Carl Franks type offer list, sad to say.

Acymetric
06-20-2019, 09:08 PM
In case anyone wants to know the mystery kid's name, the Knightdale pickup is Aeneas Peebles.


That's a Carl Franks type offer list, sad to say.

3 star from right down the road...I'm ok with it. Not sure that comment was necessary.

Welcome to Duke Aeneas!

chrishoke
06-20-2019, 09:16 PM
In case anyone wants to know the mystery kid's name, the Knightdale pickup is Aeneas Peebles.



3 star from right down the road...I'm ok with it. Not sure that comment was necessary.

Welcome to Duke Aeneas!

I love local kids. Where do you see him ranked as a three star. His best offer is from Navy.

jimsumner
06-20-2019, 09:17 PM
That's a Carl Franks type offer list, sad to say.

Supposedly he had a spectacular camp and may be well under-valued.

And he won't have a Carl Franks-level staff working with him.

Acymetric
06-20-2019, 09:20 PM
I love local kids. Where do you see him ranked as a three star. His best offer is from Navy.

It's a little confusing...247 has not ranked him yet but the article about his commitment labels him as a 3-star and mentions something about "once he gets his ranking" which makes it sound like they'll be ranking him soon and expect him to be a 3 star?

https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/aeneas-peebles-duke-blue-devils-football-recruiting-133037958/

chrishoke
06-21-2019, 07:40 AM
Supposedly he had a spectacular camp and may be well under-valued.



Thanks Jim. That's good to hear. And thanks to Acymetric for the response re his star rating. Go Duke.

budwom
06-21-2019, 11:51 AM
Supposedly he had a spectacular camp and may be well under-valued.

And he won't have a Carl Franks-level staff working with him.

Especially since he's not an offensive lineman...

BlueDevil16
06-22-2019, 07:16 PM
Looks like a 3* WR/TE committed. No real good offers but he’s 6’6”

sagegrouse
06-22-2019, 07:27 PM
Looks like a 3* WR/TE committed. No real good offers but he’s 6’6”

Man, I remember when 2-stars was really good.

brevity
06-22-2019, 08:32 PM
BangBang DukeGang. Sound the alarm. Duke receives a commitment from an offensive tackle - 6'5"' 285 lbs - from Texas with many P5 offers. I can't link an article right now. Bob Green?

Welcome to Duke big guy! Love the hogs.


Looks like a 3* WR/TE committed. No real good offers but he’s 6’6”

I have to say, Guess the Random High School Football Player is the weirdest game we play on DBR.

chrishoke
06-22-2019, 08:33 PM
Welcome to Duke football Cole Finney from Massachusetts.

https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Cole-Finney-122635/RecruitInterests/

OZZIE4DUKE
06-23-2019, 12:02 AM
Welcome to Duke football Cole Finney from Massachusetts.

https://247sports.com/Recruitment/Cole-Finney-122635/RecruitInterests/
Looks like he was recruited by most of the Ivy league. He was smart enough to pick Duke! Welcome! LGD GTHc!

chrishoke
06-23-2019, 09:50 AM
247 article on the commitment.

https://t.co/sYRpm2uCKk

Bob Green
06-23-2019, 10:06 AM
247 article on the commitment.

https://t.co/sYRpm2uCKk

Thanks for the link!

This Cole Finney quote is noteworthy:


"Duke has the unique combination of big time football and a top tier education. They also care about how you do after you graduate, and they set you up not just for a career in the NFL, but also to be very successful in whatever field you choose. All of this really stuck out to me because you don’t see it in every program."

budwom
06-23-2019, 10:15 AM
I continue to wish we recruited more heavily in the Northeast, specifically the NJ and PA areas where Duke's reputation is well known, we have recruited well in previous decades, and there is a plethora of talent at good academic high schools (lots of very strong parochial schools among others)....

duke09hms
06-23-2019, 03:55 PM
I continue to wish we recruited more heavily in the Northeast, specifically the NJ and PA areas where Duke's reputation is well known, we have recruited well in previous decades, and there is a plethora of talent at good academic high schools (lots of very strong parochial schools among others)...

True, if we ever want to take the next step, we need to recruit nationally, targeting all 4+ star recruits with strong academics. The local/regional focus Cut is fond of has a ceiling.

MaxAMillion
06-23-2019, 11:19 PM
True, if we ever want to take the next step, we need to recruit nationally, targeting all 4+ star recruits with strong academics. The local/regional focus Cut is fond of has a ceiling.

How much of this is philosophy and how much is recruiting budget? I doubt Duke funds football recruiting to a point where they can recruit all over the country each year.

budwom
06-24-2019, 07:44 AM
How much of this is philosophy and how much is recruiting budget? I doubt Duke funds football recruiting to a point where they can recruit all over the country each year.

The recruiting budget is fine...they recruit some in California...getting to NJ or PA is no more difficult than getting to Florida or much of Georgia, seemingly our preferred territory. Yes, there are lots of talented players there, but I think we shortchange our academic allure by failing to look to NJ and PA.

sagegrouse
06-24-2019, 08:52 AM
The recruiting budget is fine...they recruit some in California...getting to NJ or PA is no more difficult than getting to Florida or much of Georgia, seemingly our preferred territory. Yes, there are lots of talented players there, but I think we shortchange our academic allure by failing to look to NJ and PA.

Distance doesn't matter too much. You have to get to the airport wa-a-a-y early, so going anywhere is about the same time. The airlines charge a fortune for even the shortest flight, so air fare doesn't matter so much.

What does matter is connections and knowledge -- knowledge in the press and among coaches and players that Duke is actively recruiting an area and a track record of players going to Duke and being successful. Knowing the coaches is possibly the most important -- if you are in a sales role, it is wonderful if the phone rings....

budwom
06-24-2019, 11:46 AM
^ agreed, but we need coaches who know other territories which have been fruitful for Duke in the past...at the time being, as much as it pains me to say it, we are stuck in a bit of a mediocrity rut when it comes to recruiting....yes yes yes, way better than 15 years ago, but we're not getting the talent right now to "compete for championships" which is Cut's stated goal...I just think we can do better. There is a reason why we lag almost everyone else when it comes to NFL players.

chrishoke
06-24-2019, 12:10 PM
Stars don't want to play in half empty stadiums. I know, I know. Not exactly rocket science.

devilirium
06-24-2019, 04:23 PM
Stars don't want to play in half empty stadiums. I know, I know. Not exactly rocket science.

This is true, but falling attendance has been an issue for probably 75% of D1 for a long time. UVA, just last year, was getting about 32 K in 65 K Scott Stadium. The way that UVA finished last year--they'll start getting people in the seats with the way that they're winning. Duke won 10 games in 2013 when everyone had Duke pegged for last place. Won 9 the following year. Attendance was decent but not great. You have to win home games when the Wade is over 30 K or so (like VT or Miami) and not come out flat. Just the way it is.

HereBeforeCoachK
06-24-2019, 07:37 PM
This is true, but falling attendance has been an issue for probably 75% of D1 for a long time. s.


That's not Duke's problem. Duke's problem is that attendance stunk even as college football attendance was surging in the 80s and 90s. Duke is a 30 thousand fan football school, and they should have right-sized Wade instead of building the gigantic pressbox that ate the program.

devilirium
06-24-2019, 08:35 PM
That's not Duke's problem. Duke's problem is that attendance stunk even as college football attendance was surging in the 80s and 90s. Duke is a 30 thousand fan football school, and they should have right-sized Wade instead of building the gigantic pressbox that ate the program.

Oh, I agree with the attendance part, but the product post 94 thru 2010 was a complete joke. The patient was dead. Who was going to show up for that? Small wonder there were poetry readings at half of one game. Re: the press box, Duke had to make that investment-- Have you seen what those suites go for? They practically make up for the lackluster attendance when Duke isn't playing VT, Clemson, Miami, or UNC at home. Moreover, Duke needed the additional space (larger media capability, conferencing, newer press box needed, etc) . The old press box had to go. Also, it IS Duke's problem when they don't capitalize on a good home crowd, and far too often that's been the case. Start off 3-0 or 4-0 and look completely unprepared or worse drop 2 scores in the first 5 minutes and piss away a game vs VT. That's very much in their control. When you don't sufficiently market to your base (which Duke doesn't and used to do with the summer speaking circuit) then you're really relying on team performance as impetus for showing up. That's tricky when few remember how successful Duke was in the 40's, 50's, and early 60's.

jimsumner
06-25-2019, 11:16 AM
That's not Duke's problem. Duke's problem is that attendance stunk even as college football attendance was surging in the 80s and 90s. Duke is a 30 thousand fan football school, and they should have right-sized Wade instead of building the gigantic pressbox that ate the program.

Please help me find that gigantic pressbox. The one I'm in is about the same size as the old one, only with worst site lines.

CameronBornAndBred
06-25-2019, 11:32 AM
I'm gonna jump over to the Wallace Wade attendance thread and start talking about recruiting.

Acymetric
06-25-2019, 12:33 PM
Please help me find that gigantic pressbox. The one I'm in is about the same size as the old one, only with worst site lines.

Er, the "pressbox" tends to refer to the entire building, at least colloquially, even though certainly there is more going on inside. It doesn't just refer to the specific room you are in as a member of the press.

The new building is definitely larger than the old one.


I'm gonna jump over to the Wallace Wade attendance thread and start talking about recruiting.

Should we start a conversation about professional fan bases in the lacrosse thread?

budwom
06-25-2019, 12:40 PM
This is what happens when not much football recruiting info is available. As usual, we know little, we will continue to know little.

HereBeforeCoachK
06-25-2019, 08:26 PM
Er, the "pressbox" tends to refer to the entire building, at least colloquially, even though certainly there is more going on inside. It doesn't just refer to the specific room you are in as a member of the press.

The new building is definitely larger than the old one.

Thank you. I might've thought this was self explanatory. And not only is the new building larger, it looks grotesquely out of place and oversized....it appears to be taller than the entire stadium underneath it. It clearly ate up a lot of the budget, as did the exterior...and NONE of that enhances Duke football to the eyes on TV.....who see empty seats.

jimsumner
06-25-2019, 10:02 PM
Er, the "pressbox" tends to refer to the entire building, at least colloquially, even though certainly there is more going on inside. It doesn't just refer to the specific room you are in as a member of the press.

The new building is definitely larger than the old one.



Should we start a conversation about professional fan bases in the lacrosse thread?

ER, the "pressbox" has a name. It's the Blue Devil Tower and it was designed to generate revenue via luxury boxes. And yes, it is big. But it is not a pressbox.

And naming rights are still available. Check or all major credit cards.

OldPhiKap
06-25-2019, 10:14 PM
ER, the "pressbox" has a name. It's the Blue Devil Tower and it was designed to generate revenue via luxury boxes. And yes, it is big. But it is not a pressbox.

And naming rights are still available. Check or all major credit cards.

Bitcoin? Asking for a client looking to, um, shelter some funds.

Acymetric
06-25-2019, 11:07 PM
ER, the "pressbox" has a name. It's the Blue Devil Tower and it was designed to generate revenue via luxury boxes. And yes, it is big. But it is not a pressbox.

And naming rights are still available. Check or all major credit cards.

Sure, but people (not just at Duke) refer to [building containing pressbox] as "the pressbox" all the time. This includes David Cutcliffe, various writers at goduke.com, and writers for other media outlets. It is incredibly common. I assume since you want to make such a big deal about this you'll be sure to correct Cut on it as well next time you see him? Or...maybe just let it go. It is named "Blue Devil Tower" but people within and outside the program refer to it as "the pressbox" regularly, as is the case all over the country. Weird hill to die on.

HereBeforeCoachK
06-26-2019, 03:08 AM
Sure, but people (not just at Duke) refer to [building containing pressbox] as "the pressbox" all the time. This includes David Cutcliffe, various writers at goduke.com, and writers for other media outlets. It is incredibly common. I assume since you want to make such a big deal about this you'll be sure to correct Cut on it as well next time you see him? Or...maybe just let it go. It is named "Blue Devil Tower" but people within and outside the program refer to it as "the pressbox" regularly, as is the case all over the country. Weird hill to die on.

Yep, these buildings are ubiquitously called press boxes at almost every stadium, even as almost all of them house other functions (asst coaches boxes, college Presidents, sometimes luxury boxes, etc). Perhaps as they have morphed, the term press box is more euphemism than a technically and completely accurate term, but it's what people call them.

All of which is immaterial to the bigger point, which is that the size of that monstrosity looks out of place on top of that rather small football stadium, and obviously sucked up a lot of the budget that could have been used otherwise. A lot was done to make the stadium "pretty" - and it is - but almost nothing was done to retain more noise, create more atmosphere, etc. You know, downsize it, right size it, "Cameronize" it to whatever extent possible. The home atmosphere is a hurdle Duke FB has to overcome with every recruit.

arnie
06-26-2019, 07:10 AM
Yep, these buildings are ubiquitously called press boxes at almost every stadium, even as almost all of them house other functions (asst coaches boxes, college Presidents, sometimes luxury boxes, etc). Perhaps as they have morphed, the term press box is more euphemism than a technically and completely accurate term, but it's what people call them.

All of which is immaterial to the bigger point, which is that the size of that monstrosity looks out of place on top of that rather small football stadium, and obviously sucked up a lot of the budget that could have been used otherwise. A lot was done to make the stadium "pretty" - and it is - but almost nothing was done to retain more noise, create more atmosphere, etc. You know, downsize it, right size it, "Cameronize" it to whatever extent possible. The home atmosphere is a hurdle Duke FB has to overcome with every recruit.
Glad to see I’m not the only old codger that can’t sleep anymore 😞. An east coast guy with a detailed post about Wally Wade during the middle of the night?

billwh
06-26-2019, 07:23 AM
I've enjoyed this conversation, mostly because I remember those years when we lost all / most games and the stands were truly empty - more than today. I think there are 3 reasons why we have a ceiling on numbers attending games: (1) I went to a PT session in Mebane a few months ago, and the therapist asked where I went to college. After telling her Duke, she said "I've lived in Mebane for my entire life, and I've never met anybody that actually graduated from Duke." (2) I was at the UNC-Duke game in Chapel Hill a few years ago when Duke got creamed, and I was sitting in the student center staying out of the rain before the game. I was getting heckled over my Duke hat. I started asking the hecklers if they graduated from UNC - not one person had. In NC to a large extent fandom is handed down through the generations. Most ardent UNC fans I know never set foot on the UNC campus. I don't think selling beer is going to overcome this cultural heritage. (3) Why spend money when you don't identify with the university in any way - to spend money you need some connection and Duke just does not have this for most people in NC. For example, my wife's southern NC family from Mebane thinks everything about Duke is "snobby" - they don't identify with the concept of an elite university. P.S. I really like the new stadium, the new look, and the new pressbox.

sagegrouse
06-26-2019, 08:55 AM
Yep, these buildings are ubiquitously called press boxes at almost every stadium, even as almost all of them house other functions (asst coaches boxes, college Presidents, sometimes luxury boxes, etc). Perhaps as they have morphed, the term press box is more euphemism than a technically and completely accurate term, but it's what people call them.

All of which is immaterial to the bigger point, which is that the size of that monstrosity looks out of place on top of that rather small football stadium, and obviously sucked up a lot of the budget that could have been used otherwise. A lot was done to make the stadium "pretty" - and it is - but almost nothing was done to retain more noise, create more atmosphere, etc. You know, downsize it, right size it, "Cameronize" it to whatever extent possible. The home atmosphere is a hurdle Duke FB has to overcome with every recruit.

Oh my. The construction of luxury boxes surely pay for themselves, and the large reception and seating area is one-thousand times better than that cramped canvas-covered president box on the east side of the stadium. And considering that it is made available to large donors, certainly there is a return.

jimsumner
06-26-2019, 10:28 AM
Sure, but people (not just at Duke) refer to [building containing pressbox] as "the pressbox" all the time. This includes David Cutcliffe, various writers at goduke.com, and writers for other media outlets. It is incredibly common. I assume since you want to make such a big deal about this you'll be sure to correct Cut on it as well next time you see him? Or...maybe just let it go. It is named "Blue Devil Tower" but people within and outside the program refer to it as "the pressbox" regularly, as is the case all over the country. Weird hill to die on.

I've never heard anyone, Cut included, call this the "Pressbox."

Referring to something by its proper name is generally a good thing. You're welcome to disagree.

killerleft
06-26-2019, 10:39 AM
I thought the Blue Devil Tower was the elevator shaft that gets people down to field level.:o

I just took possession of my first pair of hearing aids, so maybe I'll pay more attention now.:)

jimsumner
06-26-2019, 11:18 AM
To actually try to connect recruiting and attendance, is there a benefit to prioritizing local recruits? The idea is that local recruits--let's define local as easy driving distance--will generate local media attention and entice fans to come and watch the hometown hero play on a bigger stage.

Duke has certainly promoted that narrative. And it is nice to see a player's parents, siblings, friends in the stands.

But is it more than that? I don't know if anyone has any firm evidence either way. How many people came from Alamance County just to see Johnathan Lloyd play? Probably not enough to move the needle very far.

Duke has long tried to grab the non-affiliated football fans, especially those who just moved to the Triangle. And lots of people have just moved to the Triangle. But the local population is probably double what it was when Spurrier was at Duke. But the crowds are the same.

I do know that it hurts recruiting. Bring a recruit in for a game that draws 16,000 and you darn well need to have something else to sell. And Duke does. But even the players will candidly--and off the record--admit that low attendance is the biggest negative of their Duke experience.

It also hurts that the TV cameras in the "pressbox" show the visitors side of Wade. So, even if there's a decent crowd, the people in the stands do not appear on camera and the empty seats do.

Looks bad.

The solution of course is to not have empty seats. But attendance is declining across sports, pro, college and high school.

There obviously is no sure-fire solution and Duke actually thinking about this a lot. I agree that making the experience more fan-friendly is a no-brainer. But sitting at home in your climate-controlled living room, with a remote control and a half-dozen games on your big screen is a tough combo to beat.

budwom
06-26-2019, 12:00 PM
^ Jim, I've never bought into the oft stated narrative that local kids drive any level of attendance boost. Sounds like you're skeptical as well...I take a slightly better out of state kid to a slightly lesser in state kid any day...

Acymetric
06-26-2019, 12:25 PM
To actually try to connect recruiting and attendance, is there a benefit to prioritizing local recruits? The idea is that local recruits--let's define local as easy driving distance--will generate local media attention and entice fans to come and watch the hometown hero play on a bigger stage.

Duke has certainly promoted that narrative. And it is nice to see a player's parents, siblings, friends in the stands.

But is it more than that? I don't know if anyone has any firm evidence either way. How many people came from Alamance County just to see Johnathan Lloyd play? Probably not enough to move the needle very far.

Duke has long tried to grab the non-affiliated football fans, especially those who just moved to the Triangle. And lots of people have just moved to the Triangle. But the local population is probably double what it was when Spurrier was at Duke. But the crowds are the same.

I do know that it hurts recruiting. Bring a recruit in for a game that draws 16,000 and you darn well need to have something else to sell. And Duke does. But even the players will candidly--and off the record--admit that low attendance is the biggest negative of their Duke experience.

It also hurts that the TV cameras in the "pressbox" show the visitors side of Wade. So, even if there's a decent crowd, the people in the stands do not appear on camera and the empty seats do.

Looks bad.

The solution of course is to not have empty seats. But attendance is declining across sports, pro, college and high school.

There obviously is no sure-fire solution and Duke actually thinking about this a lot. I agree that making the experience more fan-friendly is a no-brainer. But sitting at home in your climate-controlled living room, with a remote control and a half-dozen games on your big screen is a tough combo to beat.


^ Jim, I've never bought into the oft stated narrative that local kids drive any level of attendance boost. Sounds like you're skeptical as well...I take a slightly better out of state kid to a slightly lesser in state kid any day...

It seems to me that bringing in local kids is more laying longer-term groundwork, and not so much about producing immediate attendance results. I would guess that bringing in local kids regularly will improve attendance some noticeable amount (not like a 50% bump in attendance, but not .1% either), but that you won't see that kind of improvement for at least 10, probably 20 years or more. This is especially true if the local kids remain local after college. Having the families in attendance helps bring some people who understand proper football stadium atmosphere into the crowd, which theoretically could spread to the other fans although it doesn't seem to have so far.

Devil in the Blue Dress
06-26-2019, 12:35 PM
I've never heard anyone, Cut included, call this the "Pressbox."

Referring to something by its proper name is generally a good thing. You're welcome to disagree.
Thank you, Jim, for saying this better than I could. I've never heard anyone going into the Blue Devil Tower say they were going to the press box unless they were were wearing press credentials.

I wasn't enthusiastic about the renovations when the process started, but now I'm so pleased with the results. The architectural details added generally improve on the original structure. The primary shortcomings of the renovation are the lack of comfort in the plastic seats and the lack of shade on the visitors' side and elsewhere.

The conversation about how to improve attendance is ongoing and seems to flourish during the off season. I would encourage all who are concerned about the disappointing attendance to buy a season ticket and attend in person. If the quality of food concerns you, make your opinion known to those in the athletic department who are responsible for the contracts for concessions.

Meanwhile I'm going back to following the recruiting after DeVon Edwards gets married today. ;)

budwom
06-26-2019, 12:54 PM
^ for those looking for any increased comfort they can find, I can report that the slightly wider seats on the much less sunny West side are noticeably more comfortable than those on the east side...if you have somewhat long legs (especially compared with dimensions of people when WW was built) the extra few inches help out the knee room by enabling wigglage.

Also happy to see that of the four games I plan to attend, two are in October (GT, Pitt) and two in November (ND, Syracuse) which is great for sun purposes...the only September game is vs A&T at 6pm, also helpful.

HereBeforeCoachK
06-26-2019, 03:52 PM
Oh my. The construction of luxury boxes surely pay for themselves, and the large reception and seating area is one-thousand times better than that cramped canvas-covered president box on the east side of the stadium. And considering that it is made available to large donors, certainly there is a return.

That is totally true....I understand the economic necessity - I can understand that fully, appreciate it, and still wish more of the money had gone to downsizing, etc....because that is what would help the atmosphere. These two concepts are NOT mutually exclusive.....the factual necessity, and what I wish had happened.

OZZIE4DUKE
06-26-2019, 03:53 PM
If the quality of food concerns you, make your opinion known to those in the athletic department who are responsible for the contracts for concessions.

Meanwhile I'm going back to following the recruiting after DeVon Edwards gets married today. ;)

Congrats to DeVon!http://www.crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/devil9f.gif

I haven't eaten inside Wally Wade since we started our tent in Blue Devil Alley 10 years ago. DitDB, you're certainly welcome join us since you don't have your own tent anymore. Others are welcome to join us too. Membership is $75 per member unit (one person or a family) and food is $15 per person (young kids eat free), bring your own libations. We have award winning BBQ chefs providing the best food at any tailgate anywhere! PM me if you're interested in joining the True Blue 'Cue Crew this year. http://www.crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/devil9f.gif

devildeac
06-26-2019, 04:40 PM
Congrats to DeVon!http://www.crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/devil9f.gif

I haven't eaten inside Wally Wade since we started our tent in Blue Devil Alley 10 years ago. DitDB, you're certainly welcome join us since you don't have your own tent anymore. Others are welcome to join us too. Membership is $75 per member unit (one person or a family) and food is $15 per person (young kids eat free), bring your own libations. We have award winning BBQ chefs providing the best food at any tailgate anywhere! PM me if you're interested in joining the True Blue 'Cue Crew this year. http://www.crazietalk.net/ourhouse/images/smilies/devil9f.gif




I enthusiastically endorse this invitation and would extend it to others reading here, too.

Devil in the Blue Dress
06-26-2019, 05:16 PM
Oh my. The construction of luxury boxes surely pay for themselves, and the large reception and seating area is one-thousand times better than that cramped canvas-covered president box on the east side of the stadium. And considering that it is made available to large donors, certainly there is a return.
If I may add to the conversation about the size and cost of the Blue Devil Tower, it's the venue were members of a variety of teams are fed their regular meals. It's a venue available for renting out for a variety of functions including wedding receptions and other private functions. It's used for a variety of gatherings ranging from some during the football season in the fall to class reunions in the spring. Its size is an asset which makes the spaces suitable for a variety of uses beyond game day.

chrishoke
06-26-2019, 05:34 PM
Stephen Wiseman Retweeted

ACC Now

Verified account

@accnow
52m
52 minutes ago


More
BREAKING: Beer, wine sales now legal at college stadiums, arenas in North Carolina.

chrishoke
06-29-2019, 05:26 PM
BangBang DukeGang!!!

Three star athlete Ethan Wright from Ohio commits to Duke over Northwestern and others.
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/Wright-could-play-either-side-of-the-ball-for-Duke-133291582/
He will enroll in Jan. 2020.

richmclean
06-29-2019, 11:29 PM
Huzzah! Great choice!

Bob Green
06-30-2019, 06:55 AM
ESPN lists Wright as a wide receiver.

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/232629/ethan-wright

chrishoke
06-30-2019, 07:29 AM
ESPN lists Wright as a wide receiver.

http://www.espn.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/232629/ethan-wright

Bob, the article I linked quotes him as saying he prefers to play running back but could switch to safety.

Bob Green
06-30-2019, 07:42 AM
Bob, the article I linked quotes him as saying he prefers to play running back but could switch to safety.

He certainly appears to be versatile.

OldPhiKap
06-30-2019, 07:57 AM
Is he amphibious?

OZZIE4DUKE
06-30-2019, 08:38 AM
Is he amphibious?
Great Charles Shackleford reference, but hopefully we won’t have to play with n anymore hurricanes to find out! LGD GTHc! Welcome to Duke!

chrishoke
07-02-2019, 09:48 AM
Duke trending for top uncommitted quarterback prospect
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/three-star-florida-quarterback-gregory-spann-says-duke-is-among-his-top-choices-133313655/

"Overall Spann has reported a desire to make a college commitment no later than the start of his high school season kicks off. When that time comes, he'll choose from a list of more than 20 high major offers including those from Florida State, Illinois, Louisville, Ole Miss, UCF, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia, Maryland, Miami, Purdue, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, USF, and Virginia Tech.
Earlier this month Spann announced a final six of Ole Miss, Florida State, central Florida, Louisville, Duke and Illinois."

BlueDevil16
07-02-2019, 11:17 AM
Duke trending for top uncommitted quarterback prospect
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/three-star-florida-quarterback-gregory-spann-says-duke-is-among-his-top-choices-133313655/

"Overall Spann has reported a desire to make a college commitment no later than the start of his high school season kicks off. When that time comes, he'll choose from a list of more than 20 high major offers including those from Florida State, Illinois, Louisville, Ole Miss, UCF, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia, Maryland, Miami, Purdue, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, USF, and Virginia Tech.
Earlier this month Spann announced a final six of Ole Miss, Florida State, central Florida, Louisville, Duke and Illinois."

How is he versus the QB we have committed?

budwom
07-02-2019, 11:35 AM
Duke trending for top uncommitted quarterback prospect
https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/three-star-florida-quarterback-gregory-spann-says-duke-is-among-his-top-choices-133313655/

"Overall Spann has reported a desire to make a college commitment no later than the start of his high school season kicks off. When that time comes, he'll choose from a list of more than 20 high major offers including those from Florida State, Illinois, Louisville, Ole Miss, UCF, Boston College, Cincinnati, Georgia, Maryland, Miami, Purdue, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, USF, and Virginia Tech.
Earlier this month Spann announced a final six of Ole Miss, Florida State, central Florida, Louisville, Duke and Illinois."

247 is known to use a lot of hyperbole...Spann is far from THE top uncommitted QB, he's a solid dual threat QB rated #25 in that category by 247, while Diamont, the other QB, is rated slightly higher (which does not mean a whole lot).
Fair to say he is "a" top uncommitted QB...Duke is still theoretically in the running for a VERY highly rated QB, Haynes King, #3 rated dual threat QB, though the competition is the usual horde of higher profile programs.

texasdevil06
07-03-2019, 12:53 PM
247 is known to use a lot of hyperbole...Spann is far from THE top uncommitted QB, he's a solid dual threat QB rated #25 in that category by 247, while Diamont, the other QB, is rated slightly higher (which does not mean a whole lot).
Fair to say he is "a" top uncommitted QB...Duke is still theoretically in the running for a VERY highly rated QB, Haynes King, #3 rated dual threat QB, though the competition is the usual horde of higher profile programs.

As a Texan, I've been following the Haynes King situation recently since Duke is involved. Apparently King won the "Elite 11" QB competition last weekend in Frisco, TX, beating out the 2 dual threat QB's ranked ahead of him nationally. He had ridiculous junior stats playing for his class 6A Div II state champion Longview HS team...almost 4,000 total yards, 70% completion rate, 42 TD's and just 4 INT's.

Here's a piece from yesterday's Houston Chronicle with some info on his recruitment. Folks from Aggieland think he's theirs to lose yet curiously, King's self-imposed deadline to make an announcement has come and gone. To even be in his final 4 on an elite recruit like this is nice (Cutcliffe/DJ influence?), but we need some breakthroughs. Soon.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/aggies/article/Aggies-get-in-the-mix-for-one-of-state-s-top-14068092.php

sagegrouse
07-03-2019, 01:23 PM
As a Texan, I've been following the Haynes King situation recently since Duke is involved. Apparently King won the "Elite 11" QB competition last weekend in Frisco, TX, beating out the 2 dual threat QB's ranked ahead of him nationally. He had ridiculous junior stats playing for his class 6A Div II state champion Longview HS team...almost 4,000 total yards, 70% completion rate, 42 TD's and just 4 INT's.

Here's a piece from yesterday's Houston Chronicle with some info on his recruitment. Folks from Aggieland think he's theirs to lose yet curiously, King's self-imposed deadline to make an announcement has come and gone. To even be in his final 4 on an elite recruit like this is nice (Cutcliffe/DJ influence?), but we need some breakthroughs. Soon.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/aggies/article/Aggies-get-in-the-mix-for-one-of-state-s-top-14068092.php

Darn! A&M, Auburn, Tennessee and Duke -- but we're not the favorite.

texasdevil06
07-09-2019, 06:21 PM
Darn! A&M, Auburn, Tennessee and Duke -- but we're not the favorite.

This ain't hoops. LOL.

It's an interesting situation. King has had a meteoric rise in the recruiting rankings in the last year. A self-described "country boy" and gym rat from East TX who shuns the limelight on social media, he's probably just figured out how good he is. At the Frisco event I talked about earlier, he threw with outstanding accuracy according to reports and ran a 4.52 40-yd. dash and a 4.08 shuttle -- both times the best of the 20 top national QB prospects at the event.

Having said that, my guess is that he will stay close to family and his support system and choose A&M. If it's just about football, his development and the opportunity to play very early, it might be interesting. The other 3 schools involved have multiple 4 & 5-star, non-senior QBs either on the roster or committed. After this year (if Quentin Harris has a good year and stays healthy) we will have no QBs on the roster with any significant college game experience. Absent a major surprise with King, it wouldn't surprise me if we're in the grad transfer market after this upcoming season.

King has stated he doesn't have all this figured out yet so we'll see.

jimsumner
07-09-2019, 06:40 PM
This ain't hoops. LOL.

It's an interesting situation. King has had a meteoric rise in the recruiting rankings in the last year. A self-described "country boy" and gym rat from East TX who shuns the limelight on social media, he's probably just figured out how good he is. At the Frisco event I talked about earlier, he threw with outstanding accuracy according to reports and ran a 4.52 40-yd. dash and a 4.08 shuttle -- both times the best of the 20 top national QB prospects at the event.

Having said that, my guess is that he will stay close to family and his support system and choose A&M. If it's just about football, his development and the opportunity to play very early, it might be interesting. The other 3 schools involved have multiple 4 & 5-star, non-senior QBs either on the roster or committed. After this year (if Quentin Harris has a good year and stays healthy) we will have no QBs on the roster with any significant college game experience. Absent a major surprise with King, it wouldn't surprise me if we're in the grad transfer market after this upcoming season.

King has stated he doesn't have all this figured out yet so we'll see.

Given that Duke has not thus far being very active in the grad-student transfer market and given that Duke thinks Holmberg is going to be real good, I would be surprised to see Duke pursue a transfer. If they didn't this past summer, they never will.

And unless Harris takes darn near every snap, either Holmberg and/or Katrenick will have some experience going into next season.

texasdevil06
07-09-2019, 06:51 PM
Given that Duke has not thus far being very active in the grad-student transfer market and given that Duke thinks Holmberg is going to be real good, I would be surprised to see Duke pursue a transfer. If they didn't this past summer, they never will.

And unless Harris takes darn near every snap, either Holmberg and/or Katrenick will have some experience going into next season.

Hope you're right, Jim. This is a transition year coming up IMO. I think we'll be in a much better position to do really good things in 2020 as long as we have a QB who can get it done.

Thanks. Always enjoy your insight.

Bob Green
07-15-2019, 05:10 PM
Luca Diamont checks in at #52 on this list:

https://scorebooklive.com/california/top-100-southern-california-high-school-football-players-of-2019-part-2/


Diamont threw for 2,560 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior. He also rushed for 729 yards and five more scores.

His response on Twitter:


@lucadiamont

I will be higher on this list after this season. #VENICE

Confidence is a great quality.

Bob Green
08-08-2019, 06:04 PM
OLB Dorian Mausi to Duke! Per Twitter.

Acymetric
08-08-2019, 06:20 PM
Looks like Eli is starting tonight for the Giants, but I imagine Jones will get a ton of burn.

chrishoke
08-09-2019, 12:59 PM
OLB Dorian Mausi to Duke! Per Twitter.

247 article on our latest commitment. https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/duke-beats-out-michigan-state-Indiana-and-colorado-state-for-michigan-linebacker-dorian-mausi--134305202/

sagegrouse
08-11-2019, 08:33 AM
247 article on our latest commitment. https://247sports.com/college/duke/Article/duke-beats-out-michigan-state-Indiana-and-colorado-state-for-michigan-linebacker-dorian-mausi--134305202/

A literal "Money Quote" from Dorian Mausi of Detroit:


"Duke is a top ten university in the country academically," Mausi told 247Sports earlier this week. "Meaning I will be set for life. The football is really making a turn for the better by knocking off a Big Ten Championship team early in the season (Northwestern). Also the bonds I have made with the staff there are unbelievable."

Set for life? Any Duke grads here take exception? I didn't think so.

texasdevil06
08-11-2019, 10:00 AM
Now that we are down to two healthy QBs with Holmberg out indefinitely, is there any news on what the staff is thinking about the QB situation looking forward? Are we still trying to recruit another QB for next year?

Do we have an emergency QB for this year?

budwom
08-11-2019, 10:03 AM
There's always the single wing.....which would be something of a joke were it not for the Asack game. Not a good QB situation at all....they'd better think long and hard about how much they want Harris to run, given current facts.

arnie
08-11-2019, 10:15 AM
There's always the single wing....which would be something of a joke were it not for the Asack game. Not a good QB situation at all...they'd better think long and hard about how much they want Harris to run, given current facts.

Is it to late to pickup a Juco or Div 2 QB for this season? Otherwise, I’d hope Harris doesn’t even practice the rest of August.

chrishoke
08-11-2019, 10:20 AM
Now that we are down to two healthy QBs with Holmberg out indefinitely, is there any news on what the staff is thinking about the QB situation looking forward? Are we still trying to recruit another QB for next year?

Do we have an emergency QB for this year?

I don't know, but in the scrimmage yesterday redshirt freshman Jarett Garner hauled in a 44-yard touchdown pass from walk-on sophomore quarterback Robert Nelson.

texasdevil06
08-11-2019, 10:28 AM
I don't know, but in the scrimmage yesterday redshirt freshman Jarett Garner hauled in a 44-yard touchdown pass from walk-on sophomore quarterback Robert Nelson.

Good to know. Thanks. BTW, things seem to have gone quiet on the Gregory Spann situation from what I can gather.

HereBeforeCoachK
08-11-2019, 04:01 PM
Is it to late to pickup a Juco or Div 2 QB for this season? Otherwise, I’d hope Harris doesn’t even practice the rest of August.

I feel ya. I swear, I'm beginning to wonder if there's a flaw in the system of practice, conditioning, treatment, etc, somewhere. I know it's sacrilege to even say that on DBR but man, the last few years have beaten the hell out of the law of averages....in a bad way......FB and BB the last several years, not to mention WBB and heck, even BB to a degree.

devilirium
08-11-2019, 04:28 PM
I feel ya. I swear, I'm beginning to wonder if there's a flaw in the system of practice, conditioning, treatment, etc, somewhere. I know it's sacrilege to even say that on DBR but man, the last few years have beaten the hell out of the law of averages...in a bad way...FB and BB the last several years, not to mention WBB and heck, even BB to a degree.

With football, the years like Duke had in 2016, with few injuries, are very rare. And we went 3-9 that year. In 2013, Duke was relatively healthy though they lost Anthony Boone for 4 weeks and the Devils went 10-4. I've always thought that the constant attention to lifting in the summers puts a lot of undue stress on the body. A relative of mine who played FCS ball once confided "I think that I'll be arthritic by 30" with the constant squats, lifts, and so forth. Whatever the cause, it really is a game of attrition. You're only fully healthy in quick short spans. Fortunately, for Duke, there are 2 byes this year (this should be mandated IMO, but that's another story).

CameronBornAndBred
08-11-2019, 04:31 PM
There's always the single wing....which would be something of a joke were it not for the Asack game. Not a good QB situation at all...they'd better think long and hard about how much they want Harris to run, given current facts.

Poor Asack. Kicked out of Duke, twice, and forever epitomized for that one outing.
Run, Zack, run!

jimsumner
08-11-2019, 05:33 PM
Nelson is the presumptive third quarterback.

Early in Cut's Duke tenure he was down to one healthy QB and practiced a wildcat formation, with tailback Clifford Harris as the nominal QB.

Never needed to use it, fortunately.

I suspect Duke would use such a system with Bracey as QB before they would go with Nelson. But that's purely speculation on my part.

CameronBlue
08-11-2019, 06:01 PM
Nelson is the presumptive third quarterback.

Early in Cut's Duke tenure he was down to one healthy QB and practiced a wildcat formation, with tailback Clifford Harris as the nominal QB.

Never needed to use it, fortunately.

I suspect Duke would use such a system with Bracey as QB before they would go with Nelson. But that's purely speculation on my part.

Sir, there will be none of THAT on DBR, thank you.

HereBeforeCoachK
08-11-2019, 06:07 PM
With football, the years like Duke had in 2016, with few injuries, are very rare. And we went 3-9 that year. In 2013, Duke was relatively healthy though they lost Anthony Boone for 4 weeks and the Devils went 10-4. I've always thought that the constant attention to lifting in the summers puts a lot of undue stress on the body. A relative of mine who played FCS ball once confided "I think that I'll be arthritic by 30" with the constant squats, lifts, and so forth. Whatever the cause, it really is a game of attrition. You're only fully healthy in quick short spans. Fortunately, for Duke, there are 2 byes this year (this should be mandated IMO, but that's another story).

I understand all that.....but I still think Duke gets hit disproportionately hard consistently....not every year, but often. And so often it's our very best players.

Indoor66
08-11-2019, 06:40 PM
Sir, there will be none of THAT on DBR, thank you.

If you don't have stats, watch out.

chrishoke
10-18-2019, 06:27 PM
Well this sucks for Duke. Carolina has a commitment from a five star defensive end, then #22 player in the nation. https://247sports.com/player/desmond-evans-46035517/

The Heels are now 4th in the ACC, Duke 13th in 2020 football recruiting. We need to pick it up!

BlueDevil16
10-18-2019, 09:11 PM
The 2020 class seems pretty small. Would be good to get a couple transfers on the portal after the season or a few more commits now. Any names we should be looking out for?

jimsumner
10-18-2019, 11:48 PM
The 2020 class seems pretty small. Would be good to get a couple transfers on the portal after the season or a few more commits now. Any names we should be looking out for?

Keep in mind Duke only has 10 recruited seniors. Some redshirt juniors likely will not be back. Duke tends to have less attrition than much of the competition and it's rare for Duke to sign someone who does not qualify, which also is not the case with much of the competition.

Thus Duke tends to have small classes.

And thus far, Cutcliffe has shown a disinclination to pursue grad-student transfers. Evan Lisle, OT from Ohio State is the only one so far.

chrishoke
10-28-2019, 05:35 PM
Gary Smith III Retweeted




Shelbyville Football

@ShebvulFootball


Decision time for #58... join us next Sunday at 3 in the SCHS auditorium as Gary Smith III announces his commitment to either Duke or Virginia Tech.



Three star defensive tackle prospect - looking good for Duke.

Bob Green
11-03-2019, 06:36 PM
Bang Bang Duke Gang!!!

Gary Smith III is a Blue Devil.

peloton
11-03-2019, 10:32 PM
If Bud Foster wants a defensive player I'd say that's a pretty good sign. Great news and welcome aboard, Gary!

chrishoke
11-04-2019, 09:41 AM
That's three 3 star defensive tackles in this class - certainly a position of need. He is 6' 2" 310 lbs. Offers from Virginia Tech, Florida State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, WF, Kentucky among others. That may complete this class.

scottdude8
11-04-2019, 10:05 AM
That's three 3 star defensive tackles in this class - certainly a position of need. He is 6' 2" 310 lbs. Offers from Virginia Tech, Florida State, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Vanderbilt, WF, Kentucky among others. That may complete this class.

Something I’ve learned following FB recruiting is that, outside the clear 5*s and NFL prospects, ratings can vary widely. It’s often more indicative of a players’ potential to see the quality of school offering him than an arbitrary star ranking. With that said, I’m psyched about this guy based on his size and that offer list!!!

HereBeforeCoachK
11-04-2019, 12:21 PM
If Bud Foster wants a defensive player I'd say that's a pretty good sign. Great news and welcome aboard, Gary!

Well, the guy may be worthy of being a big time recruit, but technically, Bud didn't want him....as Bud retires in a few weeks. Justin F wanted him though....

Bob Green
11-14-2019, 05:55 PM
Ethan Wright, 3 Star wide receiver/running back, has reopened his recruitment.

CameronBlue
11-14-2019, 06:15 PM
Ethan Wright, 3 Star wide receiver/running back, has reopened his recruitment.

Well that stinks. Is Duke out completely or may he re-commit?

EDIT: From the Twitter:


Ethan Wright
‏ @EthanWright_25
3h3 hours ago

I owe the Duke staff a huge thank you for everything, but I’ve decided to explore other options & reopen my recruitment.

My full focus now is on finishing the season strong with my Manchester teammates & I have no further comment on my college choice. Thanks for all the support

Hmm, sounds like he's moving on

chrishoke
11-14-2019, 07:08 PM
Ethan Wright, 3 Star wide receiver/running back, has reopened his recruitment.

Well that sux big time. Pretty late in the process. He was committed to us for 6 months. I hope we still have irons in the fire.

devilirium
11-14-2019, 07:25 PM
Well that sux big time. Pretty late in the process. He was committed to us for 6 months. I hope we still have irons in the fire.

We've suffered recruiting decommits in the past, but this year feels different. Of course, when you haven't won in a month, and you have a feckless offense then these type of things hit harder than normal. There is a lack of energy around the program that is palpable---nature of the beast, I guess. Cut is 65, but there was a lot more optimism on the sideline and in the preseason from him when he first came on board. I really enjoyed it when he would do the meet and greets during the first few years. Maybe, the changes in the recruiting calendar have altered that some.

With success comes comfort. Cut often talks about the players finding the winning edge. That's a lesson that the staff should re-discover. There's just something off.

Barnstormer
11-21-2019, 04:27 AM
Any other decommits? Losing out to Cincinnati feels like we are Having major problems behind the scenes. We don’t seem to be able to attract top notch talent

HereBeforeCoachK
11-21-2019, 06:27 AM
Ethan Wright, 3 Star wide receiver/running back, has reopened his recruitment.

If I were a WR, or my son was a WR, Duke would not be on our list.

TruBlu
11-21-2019, 07:55 AM
If I were a WR, or my son was a WR, Duke would not be on our list.

Totally agree. Bubble screens are probably not the route WR’s prefer.

budwom
11-21-2019, 07:59 AM
we brought in a highly touted new WR coach this year and it's simply impossible to gauge his performance given how we don't throw the ball downfield.
There was a warning sign, even on our brightest day of the season...we routed Va Tech (really solid win) but did so by throwing almost exclusively to the tight end and running backs...so I figured OK, we take what they give us.
But Pitt and everyone thereafter figured out we CAN'T (or won't) throw the ball downfield...and our offense has been crushed ever since, except for the GT game..155-44 in our last four games, ouch.

jv001
11-21-2019, 08:21 AM
If I were a WR, or my son was a WR, Duke would not be on our list.

I was afraid of some de-commits and now this. I wonder if a QB recruit might be next to de-commit. Will hold my breath. GoDuke!

budwom
11-21-2019, 08:23 AM
I was afraid of some de-commits and now this. I wonder if a QB recruit might be next to de-commit. Will hold my breath. GoDuke!

losing a good academic commit to Cincy is not inspiring...

jv001
11-21-2019, 08:52 AM
losing a good academic commit to Cincy is not inspiring...

Good point. If our offense is boring to us Duke fans, imagine how it looks to a committed QB or WR recruit. I don't think our coaching staff can tell the incoming recruit, well, we're running this offense because our current QB can't read defenses well. So, we use the short passing routes to help him. I wonder what the recruits are thinking when they see this horrible play calling each game. Surely the coaching staff can see all this.

GoDuke and for heavens sake, THROW THE BALL DOWN THE FIELD!

hallcity
11-21-2019, 09:01 AM
Good point. If our offense is boring to us Duke fans, imagine how it looks to a committed QB or WR recruit. I don't think our coaching staff can tell the incoming recruit, well, we're running this offense because our current QB can't read defenses well. So, we use the short passing routes to help him. I wonder what the recruits are thinking when they see this horrible play calling each game. Surely the coaching staff can see all this.

GoDuke and for heavens sake, THROW THE BALL DOWN THE FIELD!

You demand that Duke "throw the ball down the field" even though you acknowledge that our QB "can't read defenses well." Isn't that a prescription for interceptions? Have you noticed how little protection our QB gets from his line? It's hard to read defenses or spot receivers when you're running for your life.

I'd love for Duke to complete a lot of long passes but, unfortunately, the conditions necessary for this to happen aren't there.

jv001
11-21-2019, 09:07 AM
You demand that Duke "throw the ball down the field" even though you acknowledge that our QB "can't read defenses well." Isn't that a prescription for interceptions? Have you noticed how little protection our QB gets from his line? It's hard to read defenses or spot receivers when you're running for your life.

I'd love for Duke to complete a lot of long passes but, unfortunately, the conditions necessary for this to happen aren't there.

When I say throw the ball down field, I'm not talking about going for the home run play every play. I'm talking about passes in the middle of the field. Not the swing pass behind the line of scrimmage and then next play run up the middle and on 3rd down a pass to the left or right at the line of scrimmage. The passes that Harris usually completes for good gains are the ones to Gray in the middle of the field or ones 10-15 yards down the field. However, he can't rely on that play alone. It's sad and on the coaches if Harris can't read defenses after 4 years in the program. GoDuke!

CameronBornAndBred
11-21-2019, 09:17 AM
Any other decommits? Losing out to Cincinnati feels like we are Having major problems behind the scenes. We don’t seem to be able to attract top notch talent

Cinci's coach was hired after a losing season in 2016. His first year he went 4-8, and since then he has a 20-3 record. Winner's attract.

chrishoke
12-08-2019, 01:51 PM
We currently have 12 commits for next year. We now know that a number of players will be leaving with remaining eligibility. So does anyone know how many additional recruits or transfers we can now take?

Bob Green
12-08-2019, 01:55 PM
We currently have 12 commits for next year. We now know that a number of players will be leaving with remaining eligibility. So does anyone know how many additional recruits or transfers we can now take?

My unofficial count says we are currently five below the 85 limit. I won’t swear by that five number but it is certainly in the ballpark.

Faison1
12-08-2019, 03:34 PM
My unofficial count says we are currently five below the 85 limit. I won’t swear by that five number but it is certainly in the ballpark.

Hi Bob...Is it fair to say recruiting has been off the last couple/few years? It seems from 3000 miles away that the high water mark was @2015.

If my perception is correct, is this a function of the assistant coaching staff? Or am I completely misreading the situation?

Bob Green
12-08-2019, 04:26 PM
Hi Bob...Is it fair to say recruiting has been off the last couple/few years? It seems from 3000 miles away that the high water mark was @2015.

It is hard to say as you cannot judge a class until four or five years later. I know we have landed some nice recruits since 2015. A small sample:

2016: Dylan Singleton, Robert Kraeling, Britain Brown, Mark Gilbert, Koby Quansah, Brandon Hill
2017: Deon Jackson, Marquis Waters, Drew Jordan, Noah Gray, Chris Rumph, Michael Carter
2018: Tahj Rice, Gunnar Holmberg
2019: Tony Davis
2020: Luca Diamont, Nicky Dalmolin

The 2016 and 2017 classes were pretty loaded.

Reilly
12-08-2019, 05:00 PM
Well that stinks. Is Duke out completely or may he re-commit?

EDIT: From the Twitter:


Ethan Wright
‏ @EthanWright_25
3h3 hours ago

I owe the Duke staff a huge thank you for everything, but I’ve decided to explore other options & reopen my recruitment.

My full focus now is on finishing the season strong with my Manchester teammates & I have no further comment on my college choice. Thanks for all the support

Hmm, sounds like he's moving on

Staying closer to home at Cincy: https://247sports.com/player/ethan-wright-46048773/

Hope this isn't a result of the 2012 Belk Bowl loss ...

Bob Green
12-08-2019, 05:05 PM
Hope this isn't a result of the 2012 Belk Bowl loss ...

I believe it is a result of the inept offense during the five game losing streak.

jv001
12-09-2019, 11:15 AM
I believe it is a result of the inept offense during the five game losing streak.

If I were a pie betting man, I would bet the inept offense and play calling had something to do with it. GoDuke!

BlueDevil16
12-09-2019, 01:30 PM
Need to hit the transfer portal. Know Cut doesn't love taking transfers, but CFB has changed recently and it's becoming a significant part of the recruiting game (3 of the 4 CFB playoff QBs were transfers). With the Duke academic standards I understand transfers are a bit harder to take, but it shouldn't be that preventative.

HereBeforeCoachK
12-09-2019, 02:09 PM
Need to hit the transfer portal. Know Cut doesn't love taking transfers, but CFB has changed recently and it's becoming a significant part of the recruiting game (3 of the 4 CFB playoff QBs were transfers). With the Duke academic standards I understand transfers are a bit harder to take, but it shouldn't be that preventative.

YEP YEP.....3 out of 4 were transferred, one transferred from the other, and another transferred from a team in the CFP last year. Duke won't be in the market for the Burrows, the Fields, the Hurts type players...but there will be transfers all down the pecking order.

jimsumner
12-09-2019, 03:01 PM
Need to hit the transfer portal. Know Cut doesn't love taking transfers, but CFB has changed recently and it's becoming a significant part of the recruiting game (3 of the 4 CFB playoff QBs were transfers). With the Duke academic standards I understand transfers are a bit harder to take, but it shouldn't be that preventative.

Krzyzewski (0), Cutcliffe (1) and McCallie (1) have barely touched the grad-student transfer market, citing Duke's high academic standards. But baseball, soccer, lacrosse and other sports seem to be able to bring in quality grad-student-athletes on a regular basis. So, I'm not sure why football cannot do the same.

And, yes, this might be the year.

HereBeforeCoachK
12-09-2019, 03:37 PM
Krzyzewski (0), Cutcliffe (1) and McCallie (1) have barely touched the grad-student transfer market, citing Duke's high academic standards. But baseball, soccer, lacrosse and other sports seem to be able to bring in quality grad-student-athletes on a regular basis. So, I'm not sure why football cannot do the same.

And, yes, this might be the year.

BB Coach Chris Pollard has used this about as well as any coach in any sport that I've noticed.

For some of the old heads....the first transfer I remember to Duke was George Moses, a basketball forward in the 70s. Where there any prior? And since I'm not sure where I left my car keys 20 minutes ago, I'm totally lost as to why/how I remembered that.

Teton Jack
12-09-2019, 05:08 PM
I think Saunders during Bucky Waters' time was a transfer from Northwestern.

HereBeforeCoachK
12-09-2019, 05:17 PM
I think Saunders during Bucky Waters' time was a transfer from Northwestern.

You may be right....and IIRC, and I was TINY at the time...his name was Larry Saunders...and I think the Duke radio guy...Harris, or maybe Penfield, gave him the name Satch. That is going back DEEP into the WAAAY BACK machine...and I am only spitballing off top of my head...

Now, sorry to hijack thread......

arnie
12-09-2019, 05:46 PM
BB Coach Chris Pollard has used this about as well as any coach in any sport that I've noticed.

For some of the old heads...the first transfer I remember to Duke was George Moses, a basketball forward in the 70s. Where there any prior? And since I'm not sure where I left my car keys 20 minutes ago, I'm totally lost as to why/how I remembered that.

George Moses rebounded several Duke misses late against Maryland in 1st rd of ACC tourney. We were really bad and would have had tremendous upset if Mark Crow doesn’t gag on the FT line at end. I liked Moses’s play and tenacity.

K won’t take grad transfers due to our high academic standards? Guess that doesn’t apply to Undergraduates?

Devil2
12-09-2019, 06:17 PM
BB Coach Chris Pollard has used this about as well as any coach in any sport that I've noticed.

For some of the old heads...the first transfer I remember to Duke was George Moses, a basketball forward in the 70s. Where there any prior? And since I'm not sure where I left my car keys 20 minutes ago, I'm totally lost as to why/how I remembered that.

Moses was a JC transfer. I also think he had been and the military before rntering junior collge and was about 25 when he entered Duke. Duke also wasn't as highly rated academically at that point in time

roywhite
12-09-2019, 06:24 PM
You may be right...and IIRC, and I was TINY at the time...his name was Larry Saunders...and I think the Duke radio guy...Harris, or maybe Penfield, gave him the name Satch. That is going back DEEP into the WAAAY BACK machine...and I am only spitballing off top of my head...

Now, sorry to hijack thread...

The "Satch" nickname preceded his arrival at Duke, based on Celtic stalwart Satch Sanders (different spelling of last name).

Our Satch Saunders is a great guy, captain of the 1971 Duke team, and Duke roommate of roywhite for one year.

His son Scott had a nice career at Belmont.

To the main topic of the thread, yes, transfer portal should certainly get a close look from Cut and his staff.

jimsumner
12-09-2019, 06:47 PM
We're talking apples and oranges and kumquats here.

Larry Saunders was a traditional transfer, sat out a year after transferring from Northwestern, played two seasons alongside Randy Denton. Saunders was 6-9, about 215 and never shot from further out than about five feet. Old school.

Moses was a juco transfer, indeed a military vet, thus older than the traditional student. I believe he is the only Duke juco transfer in the ACC era.

Moses was an undersized power forward, great rebounder, great defender, could not shoot a lick.

Speaking of the original "Satch" Sanders, he starred at NYU when they were a traditional power and lit up Duke to the tune of 22 points and 16 rebounds in the 1960 East Regional final, the first time Duke had advanced that far. NYU had stunned Jerry West and West Virginia earlier.

Sanders then went on to start as a defensive specialist alongside Bill Russell, Tommy Heinsohn, Sam Jones et.al. on all those Celtics title teams.

HereBeforeCoachK
12-10-2019, 06:14 AM
We're talking apples and oranges and kumquats here.

Moses was a juco transfer, indeed a military vet, thus older than the traditional student. I believe he is the only Duke juco transfer in the ACC era.

Moses was an undersized power forward, great rebounder, great defender, could not shoot a lick.

.

yes, we strayed a bit off target, just for the sake of reminisce...while we watch the portal merry go round and wonder if Cut will hop aboard....and oh, Jake Bentley to Utah. And yeah your memory of Moses is exactly my impression too.

budwom
12-10-2019, 11:05 AM
Need to hit the transfer portal. Know Cut doesn't love taking transfers, but CFB has changed recently and it's becoming a significant part of the recruiting game (3 of the 4 CFB playoff QBs were transfers). With the Duke academic standards I understand transfers are a bit harder to take, but it shouldn't be that preventative.

Can’t agree....Cut loved Cash and wohlabaugh as xfers...duke just is not a preferred destination ...though I wish we were

jimsumner
12-10-2019, 12:51 PM
Can’t agree...Cut loved Cash and wohlabaugh as xfers...duke just is not a preferred destination ...though I wish we were

Neither Cash nor Wohlabaugh was a grad-student transfer, which is what we were discussing before getting derailed. Evan Lisle is the only grad-student Cut has brought in and Lisle approached Duke.

A few years ago Jeff Driskell approached Duke as a prospective grad-student transfer but Duke showed little interest and he moved on.

For whatever reason, Cut doesn't like the whole thing. I would hope he would get over it this off-season, especially if a top-tier QB, DT or OG pops up on the horizon.

And yes, they have to be really good students, which greatly limits the size of the pool.

CameronBornAndBred
12-10-2019, 02:02 PM
Neither Cash nor Wohlabaugh was a grad-student transfer, which is what we were discussing before getting derailed. Evan Lisle is the only grad-student Cut has brought in and Lisle approached Duke.

A few years ago Jeff Driskell approached Duke as a prospective grad-student transfer but Duke showed little interest and he moved on.

For whatever reason, Cut doesn't like the whole thing. I would hope he would get over it this off-season, especially if a top-tier QB, DT or OG pops up on the horizon.

And yes, they have to be really good students, which greatly limits the size of the pool.

Being that they've already graduated, even if they are really good students, I could see the temptation there to not care about class one lick, especially if they are eyeing playing on Sundays. What do they care if they goto class? Are they gonna get kicked out of school in January? Would be a shame to have to miss your bowl, stay home, and stay healthy.

dm9e24
12-10-2019, 02:07 PM
Hope Cut gets over it too. Especially the 3 positions you mention, offensive line being a priority.

HereBeforeCoachK
12-10-2019, 02:55 PM
Neither Cash nor Wohlabaugh was a grad-student transfer, which is what we were discussing before getting derailed. Evan Lisle is the only grad-student Cut has brought in and Lisle approached Duke.

A few years ago Jeff Driskell approached Duke as a prospective grad-student transfer but Duke showed little interest and he moved on.

For whatever reason, Cut doesn't like the whole thing. I would hope he would get over it this off-season, especially if a top-tier QB, DT or OG pops up on the horizon.

And yes, they have to be really good students, which greatly limits the size of the pool.

Jim, question....is the "portal" for any transfers or just grad transfers?

jimsumner
12-10-2019, 03:18 PM
Jim, question...is the "portal" for any transfers or just grad transfers?

Any transfer.

rtnorthrup
12-10-2019, 03:53 PM
Neither Cash nor Wohlabaugh was a grad-student transfer, which is what we were discussing before getting derailed. Evan Lisle is the only grad-student Cut has brought in and Lisle approached Duke.

A few years ago Jeff Driskell approached Duke as a prospective grad-student transfer but Duke showed little interest and he moved on.

For whatever reason, Cut doesn't like the whole thing. I would hope he would get over it this off-season, especially if a top-tier QB, DT or OG pops up on the horizon.

And yes, they have to be really good students, which greatly limits the size of the pool.

All of this. Even if Cut changes his mind, you have to find a player who would be an upgrade to our current roster,who wants to transfer to Duke, and who can qualify academically.

Barnstormer
12-11-2019, 12:58 PM
I hope that we can land a 4 star offense lineman or 2 - maybe thru the transfer portal.

Bob Green
12-11-2019, 05:18 PM
Graham Barton has been recognized as Tennessee Region 6-6A Offensive Lineman of the Year.

johnb
12-12-2019, 05:48 AM
All of this. Even if Cut changes his mind, you have to find a player who would be an upgrade to our current roster,who wants to transfer to Duke, and who can qualify academically.

The academic concern is a red herring. They’ve already graduated from college, perhaps in 3 years. They’ve already shown they attend class. Surely almost all of them would be a lower academic risk than many football recruits right out of high school. Duke’s great, but it’s not Caltech; there should be a niche somewhere on campus for bright, well-intended college grads.

K has the talent concern: very few potential senior transfers, if any, are good enough to get into our typical rotation. Basically, if they’re good enough to immediately help a 21st century Duke team, they’re also good enough to play in the NBA. But if somebody was located, K would fight for him.

The problem in football might be one of Cut’s strengths: loyalty to his guys. Bringing in 3-5 senior outsiders might feel like he’s renting players and undercutting the young men who’ve sweated with him. Heisman trophy candidates (or even definite future NFL guys) aren’t likely to want to come play in a half empty stadium, but guys half a notch below the super-elite level might be convinced that an MM from the Duke business school (or whatever else we can offer) is better than some bogus PE grad school offering wherever. For most sub-NFL players at the elite Land Grant universities, full stadiums don’t translate into good jobs; a Duke degree might.

I’d also guess that bringing in a few Jeremy Cash type guys might have the effect of showing the rest of the team the sort of athletic effort and discipline that is standard at the Alabamas and Oklahomas.

To get those guys, Cut would have to not wait for them to jump through the transom. He’d have to enlist a few Duke programs to be open to 1-2 year players (ie, we should have a program, not wait for players to reinvent the wheel), actively seek people in the portal, and then show them love and a life roadmap—how a year or two at Duke could change their careers, which would be true, regardless of whether they made the NFL (tho I’d certainly argue that the NFL will locate talent wherever, and Duke’s still a P5 school whose tape is easily available). It could even be a bragging point, especially if we could offer a two-year scholarship to finish the grad degree, even if they’re only playing one year.

It could even be combined with a summer program for all Duke athletes (? + regular students who apply): business of sport, or whatever, a sort of AB Duke track for people who can lift heavy things, and those who love them.

Maybe this approach is not worth Cut’s time, or maybe it’d risk the family vibe, but I’d bet it would improve the talent level of our top 35 players in November.

jimsumner
12-12-2019, 11:10 AM
The academic concern is a red herring. They’ve already graduated from college, perhaps in 3 years. They’ve already shown they attend class. Surely almost all of them would be a lower academic risk than many football recruits right out of high school. Duke’s great, but it’s not Caltech; there should be a niche somewhere on campus for bright, well-intended college grads.

K has the talent concern: very few potential senior transfers, if any, are good enough to get into our typical rotation. Basically, if they’re good enough to immediately help a 21st century Duke team, they’re also good enough to play in the NBA. But if somebody was located, K would fight for him.

The problem in football might be one of Cut’s strengths: loyalty to his guys. Bringing in 3-5 senior outsiders might feel like he’s renting players and undercutting the young men who’ve sweated with him. Heisman trophy candidates (or even definite future NFL guys) aren’t likely to want to come play in a half empty stadium, but guys half a notch below the super-elite level might be convinced that an MM from the Duke business school (or whatever else we can offer) is better than some bogus PE grad school offering wherever. For most sub-NFL players at the elite Land Grant universities, full stadiums don’t translate into good jobs; a Duke degree might.

I’d also guess that bringing in a few Jeremy Cash type guys might have the effect of showing the rest of the team the sort of athletic effort and discipline that is standard at the Alabamas and Oklahomas.

To get those guys, Cut would have to not wait for them to jump through the transom. He’d have to enlist a few Duke programs to be open to 1-2 year players (ie, we should have a program, not wait for players to reinvent the wheel), actively seek people in the portal, and then show them love and a life roadmap—how a year or two at Duke could change their careers, which would be true, regardless of whether they made the NFL (tho I’d certainly argue that the NFL will locate talent wherever, and Duke’s still a P5 school whose tape is easily available). It could even be a bragging point, especially if we could offer a two-year scholarship to finish the grad degree, even if they’re only playing one year.

It could even be combined with a summer program for all Duke athletes (? + regular students who apply): business of sport, or whatever, a sort of AB Duke track for people who can lift heavy things, and those who love them.

Maybe this approach is not worth Cut’s time, or maybe it’d risk the family vibe, but I’d bet it would improve the talent level of our top 35 players in November.

My understanding from multiple sources is that prospective grad-student transfers have to have the ability to get into grad school at Duke on their own, i.e. in competition with the non-athletic applicant pool. That does significantly limit the pool.

It's going to take more than just going to class for 3/4 years.

I've cited baseball coach Chris Pollard as an example of a Duke coach who has made this work, largely by going after Ivy-League players. He did have a pitcher from Creighton but he was an academic all-American.

So, no, I do not think this is a red herring.

Teton Jack
12-12-2019, 12:13 PM
Graham Barton has been recognized as Tennessee Region 6-6A Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Graham's high school team lost the 6-A championship in Tennessee last week but his play this year has been excellent. He actually played both ways during the year. He should be a big asset for Duke.

CameronBornAndBred
12-12-2019, 12:39 PM
WRAL has a story up about in-state recruiting. Thirteen players for 2020 and '21 are listed in Rivals' top 100. Unfortunately many of them have committed to or are strongly looking at Chapel Hill. Many have Duke on their offer sheets however.

https://www.highschoolot.com/13-football-players-from-nc-make-rivals-rankings-for-2020-2021-classes/18827440/

Bob Green
12-12-2019, 04:27 PM
WRAL has a story up about in-state recruiting. Thirteen players for 2020 and '21 are listed in Rivals' top 100. Unfortunately many of them have committed to or are strongly looking at Chapel Hill. Many have Duke on their offer sheets however.

https://www.highschoolot.com/13-football-players-from-nc-make-rivals-rankings-for-2020-2021-classes/18827440/

Recruiting in state against Carolina is an uphill battle which probably became a bit steeper with the return of old what’s his name as Coach in Chapel Hill. Those of us who grew up in North Carolina (like CB&B) understand this. However, achieving success isn’t impossible as Duke has signed some quality local players in recent years.

Early signing day is next Wednesday so I am hopeful all our guys sign and we get some surprise signings.

jv001
12-12-2019, 04:55 PM
Recruiting in state against Carolina is an uphill battle which probably became a bit steeper with the return of old what’s his name as Coach in Chapel Hill. Those of us who grew up in North Carolina (like CB&B) understand this. However, achieving success isn’t impossible as Duke has signed some quality local players in recent years.

Early signing day is next Wednesday so I am hopeful all our guys sign and we get some surprise signings.

I'm with you in hoping all our committed recruits sign and maybe we get some surprise signings. Like you and CB&B I grew up here in the Piedmont when most of my friends were Cheat fans. There were some State fans, a few Wake fans and even fewer Duke fans. For as long as I can remember, Cheat U always seemed to get the instate football players. Maybe it started with the Charlie Choo-Choo Justice days. He was the most well known player and most talked about player in my home town. It had to help that many of the instate journalist were Cheat graduates and they got most of the press. I'm thankful that Coach Cut has been able to make some inroads with some of our high school players but I don't think Duke will ever be able to build a team with mostly NC high school players.
GoDuke!

arnie
12-12-2019, 06:07 PM
I'm with you in hoping all our committed recruits sign and maybe we get some surprise signings. Like you and CB&B I grew up here in the Piedmont when most of my friends were Cheat fans. There were some State fans, a few Wake fans and even fewer Duke fans. For as long as I can remember, Cheat U always seemed to get the instate football players. Maybe it started with the Charlie Choo-Choo Justice days. He was the most well known player and most talked about player in my home town. It had to help that many of the instate journalist were Cheat graduates and they got most of the press. I'm thankful that Coach Cut has been able to make some inroads with some of our high school players but I don't think Duke will ever be able to build a team with mostly NC high school players.
GoDuke!

Agree with all you said and I’d add the obvious; far too many WalMarts in NC.

HereBeforeCoachK
12-12-2019, 06:10 PM
Agree with all you said and I’d add the obvious; far too many WalMarts in NC.

....you forgot the prefix....."......and in a related story........"

Bob Green
12-14-2019, 02:20 PM
Coach Cutcliffe and staff are working hard as Signing Day approaches. Here are some prospects they are pursuing:

WR Jontavius Robertson

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/nsd-drama-jontavis-robertson/

ATH Da’Quan Johnson

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/nsd-drama-daquan-johnson/

LB Ryan Smith

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/duke-nsd-drama-ryan-smith/

chrishoke
12-14-2019, 02:38 PM
Coach Cutcliffe and staff are working hard as Signing Day approaches. Here are some prospects they are pursuing:

WR Jontavius Robertson

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/nsd-drama-jontavis-robertson/

ATH Da’Quan Johnson

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/nsd-drama-daquan-johnson/

LB Ryan Smith

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/duke-nsd-drama-ryan-smith/

Great info Bob. I also saw on twitter that we are trying to flip a three star Texas center commitment of Boston college.

Bob Green
12-14-2019, 02:48 PM
I also saw on twitter that we are trying to flip a three star Texas center commitment of Boston college.

Addison Penn (6’4” 280) from Southlake, TX.

BlueDevil16
12-14-2019, 07:02 PM
They’re maybe not as highly ranked or recruited as we would like but need bodies at this phase. Any idea how it’s going

rtnorthrup
12-14-2019, 07:31 PM
They’re maybe not as highly ranked or recruited as we would like but need bodies at this phase. Any idea how it’s going

This is a big weekend for on campus visits. Watch the next week or so.

arnie
12-14-2019, 09:59 PM
They’re maybe not as highly ranked or recruited as we would like but need bodies at this phase. Any idea how it’s going

These guys are miles ahead of the Franks recruits; back then we were competing against Toledo and Ball State for players.

Pghdukie
12-14-2019, 10:18 PM
Recruiting in football is alot different than basketball. Some of our members fail to realize that a 2 or 3 star recruit will be under Cut's tutelage for 4yrs. Good teaching and good students turn into good football players.
Thanks to Bob Green for his input.

OldPhiKap
12-14-2019, 10:24 PM
These guys are miles ahead of the Franks recruits; back then we were competing against Toledo and Ball State for players.

And losing.

BlueDevil16
12-14-2019, 10:32 PM
These guys are miles ahead of the Franks recruits; back then we were competing against Toledo and Ball State for players.

Strawman argument. Shouldn’t settle for worse than mediocracy. If schools like Wake can be on an upward trajectory and schools like BC are pouring money into the program, along with Northwestern winning their division the other year (know Duke did this back in ‘13 as well) there shouldn’t be an excuse for a terrible program. It’s a mindset shift needed in the organization and parts of the fan base.

Some of these recruits might have potential and I’d be happy for them to commit - that said their offer sheets and star rankings aren’t above average. Cut has turned people with similar profiles into stars. There have also been a ton of Duke commits with that profile who didn’t see the field or didn’t perform to ACC expectations.

Barnstormer
12-15-2019, 02:15 AM
I hope that we don’t settle for 2 stars just because we need bodies. I would rather save the scholarships for later rather than using on long shots. All of the private schools except Notre Dame had a down year but I think kids will want to play and will more likely be transferring from schools than sitting. There will be plenty of options if we proactively seek transfers. Cutcliffe has plenty of friends in the coaching profession that could help direct players to Duke. I know our baseball coach has had great success in getting transfers.

Bob Green
12-15-2019, 05:18 AM
I hope that we don’t settle for 2 stars just because we need bodies.

All the players I listed above are 3 star recruits.

TheDevilMadeMeDoIt
12-15-2019, 09:53 AM
The win over Miami had to be a big help to recruiting. Hopefully we can sign these guys. A good record next year is essential if we are going to improve recruiting. I like the guys we have coming back, but we can’t afford for recruiting to slip if we’re going to get back on track for winning seasons. At this point quarterback play is my biggest concern, but I like the fact we have a kid who looks good coming in. We also need Gunnar to make a complete recovery. Go Duke!

CameronBlue
12-15-2019, 02:24 PM
The win over Miami had to be a big help to recruiting. Hopefully we can sign these guys. A good record next year is essential if we are going to improve recruiting. I like the guys we have coming back, but we can’t afford for recruiting to slip if we’re going to get back on track for winning seasons. At this point quarterback play is my biggest concern, but I like the fact we have a kid who looks good coming in. We also need Gunnar to make a complete recovery. Go Duke!

Any win helps but a "big help"? I'd put it this way a loss to Miani would have had hurt more than a win helps. You're correct to zero in on the QB play. An astute recruit will recognize that most teams are QB-limited and Duke's fortunes were particularly so this year, by a QB who tied for the conference lead in interceptions and ranked near the bottom in every other statistical category. That same recruit would also recognize that but for one incredibly ill-conceived play against the all-time cheatingest football cheater cheats ever Duke would be going to a bowl.

pigskindevil
12-15-2019, 09:24 PM
ryan smith the lb from bama connitts

sagegrouse
12-15-2019, 09:55 PM
ryan smith the lb from bama connitts

Anyway, here's a snippet from 247:


Kennesaw (Ga.) Harrison linebacker Ryan Smith told 247Sports he committed to Duke on Sunday night.

Smith is tabbed by the Top247 as the No. 70 inside linebacker in the country. Head coach David Cutcliffe and his staff extended a scholarship on Dec. 3 and closed this recruitment quickly.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Harrison also held offers from the likes of Louisville, Tulane, Colorado State, Buffalo, UConn, Bowling Green, Akron, FAU, Kent State, Troy, Air Force and several Ivy League Programs. Only one P5 offer, but hey! If Cutcliffe likes him, I'm good with that!

OldPhiKap
12-15-2019, 09:58 PM
Anyway, here's a snippet from 247:

Only one P5 offer, but hey! If Cutcliffe likes him, I'm good with that!

Yup. Daniel Jones was headed to Princeton. . . .

BlueDevil16
12-15-2019, 10:15 PM
Is he a late bloomer? Duke and Louisville as the only P5 offers is a bit weird (if Duke was to offer you’d expect Vandy and Northwestern to offer, especially as he has some Ivy offers) and Louisville is legit enough to typically not be the only P5 offer someone has.

BlueDevil16
12-15-2019, 10:42 PM
Coach Cutcliffe and staff are working hard as Signing Day approaches. Here are some prospects they are pursuing:

WR Jontavius Robertson

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/nsd-drama-jontavis-robertson/

ATH Da’Quan Johnson

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/nsd-drama-daquan-johnson/

LB Ryan Smith

https://www.si.com/college/duke/football/duke-nsd-drama-ryan-smith/

Any news on any of these other guys? Did Robertson visit Duke or Georgia?

BlueDevil16
12-15-2019, 11:41 PM
Looks like Da’Quan Johnson decommitted from Troy. Uninspiring offer sheet but we were an uninspiring program this year. Any idea on what the coaching staff sees in him and where they may use him?

sagegrouse
12-16-2019, 08:49 AM
Looks like Da’Quan Johnson decommitted from Troy. Uninspiring offer sheet but we were an uninspiring program this year. Any idea on what the coaching staff sees in him and where they may use him?

Article from Sports Illustrated -- "fair use" only:


A 5-foot-11.5, 175 pounder from Flomaton, Alabama, Johnson had been committed to Troy since August 2.

Three days after Duke extended its offer, Johnson traveled to Durham for an official visit. A week later, he announced that he was decommitting from the Trojans.

“After talking with my family. I would like to announce my de-commitment from the Troy University. I sincerely thank all of the coaches at Troy for recruiting me, especially Coach Hall. This is my decision!” he posted on Twitter. He’s referring to Troy defensive coordinator Brandon Hall.

In case you were wondering, Flomaton, AL is right on the Florida border, 45.8 miles up US-29 from Pensacola. I suppose the name is an amalgam of Florida, Alabama and town. I might have chosen, "Flobama" as a name, but then I wasn't going to live there.

BTW, my prediction, should he come to Duke, is that the guy can fly -- Cut likes speed.

OldPhiKap
12-16-2019, 09:02 AM
I suppose the name is an amalgam of Florida, Alabama and town. I might have chosen, "Flobama" as a name, but then I wasn't going to live there.



How do you feel about Delmarva?

chrishoke
12-16-2019, 10:12 AM
Tweet from our QB of the future.


Adam Rowe liked




Luca Diamont

@lucadiamont
·
8h


What a weekend! This place is special. I am very grateful to be apart of it and be surrounded by people like this. Looking forward to new experiences and growing not only as a football player but as a human. Go Duke.

chrishoke
12-16-2019, 10:20 AM
I love Georgia recruits. Welcome to DukeGang Ryan Smith.

From the 247 article on Ryan:

"Smith was the Region 6-AAAAAA Defensive Player Of The Year and helped his team roll to a 15-0 record and state championship. He racked up 89 tackles including 10 for loss, eight quarterback hurries, two sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles."

AustinDevil
12-16-2019, 10:25 AM
How do you feel about Delmarva?

Doesn't really roll off the tongue the way "Arklatex" does...

Banana
12-16-2019, 10:39 AM
Mrs. Banana, our son and I decided to visit Duke this past Thursday-Saturday and stay at the Washington Duke Inn. Once we arrived, I saw on the Inn's schedule that the Duke football program would be holding a recruiting event there over the weekend. The recruits and their parents gathered in the Inn's lobby Friday afternoon along with various coaches. I think I recognized Ben Albert and Jeff Faris. Saturday morning, QB Luca Diamont (our highest rated recruit according to 247 Sports) got off the elevator as I was getting on. Still in the elevator were OT Calib Perez and the mom of OG Graham Barton (our second highest rated recruit according to 247 Sports). Barton's mom said the Barton family was "thrilled to be here". I am relieved that our top two recruits, who happen to play two of the positions where we have our greatest need, have decided to stick with the program, notwithstanding our generally poor play during the second half of the season.

kcduke75
12-16-2019, 10:44 AM
How do you feel about Delmarva?

Better than Bahama, NC??

sagegrouse
12-16-2019, 11:08 AM
How do you feel about Delmarva?

Lots of good wildlife refuges and beaches

OldPhiKap
12-16-2019, 11:16 AM
There are two stories about how Alma, Georgia got its name.

The most popular is that it was a consolidation of the first letter from the first four capitals of Georgia (Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville, Atlanta).

The other is that it was the name of a traveling salesman's wife.

Alma is in Bacon County -- not named for the tasty pork product. It is known for its blueberries, actually.

chrishoke
12-16-2019, 02:13 PM
From GoDuke -

Football 12/16/2019 11:20:00 AM
Signing Day Blitz Set for Wednesday





Story Links
DURHAM, N.C. - In conjunction with National Signing Day on Wednesday, Duke football will host its annual Signing Day Blitz which will air on ACC Network Extra from 10-11:15 am.
Ryan Craig and Dave Harding will anchor the programing with head coach David Cutcliffe joining in for the show's final segment.
#GoDuke

arnie
12-16-2019, 05:59 PM
From GoDuke -

Football 12/16/2019 11:20:00 AM
Signing Day Blitz Set for Wednesday





Story Links
DURHAM, N.C. - In conjunction with National Signing Day on Wednesday, Duke football will host its annual Signing Day Blitz which will air on ACC Network Extra from 10-11:15 am.
Ryan Craig and Dave Harding will anchor the programing with head coach David Cutcliffe joining in for the show's final segment.
#GoDuke

Duke currently ranked 66th on fball recruiting per 247 sports. If we account for small class and just look at rating average for each recruit, we move up to 49.

Biggest concern, our 66 ranking is only ahead of VaT (?) among ACC teams. And in the Coastal, GaT is having a great year. Coaching em up will be more important than ever.

arnie
12-16-2019, 06:00 PM
There are two stories about how Alma, Georgia got its name.

The most popular is that it was a consolidation of the first letter from the first four capitals of Georgia (Augusta, Louisville, Milledgeville, Atlanta).

The other is that it was the name of a traveling salesman's wife.

Alma is in Bacon County -- not named for the tasty pork product. It is known for its blueberries, actually.

Milledgeville?

HereBeforeCoachK
12-16-2019, 06:06 PM
Better than Bahama, NC??

I honeymooned in Bahama....not the Bahamas....had no money at the time. We stayed at some big B/B that was in or very near Bahama.

OldPhiKap
12-16-2019, 06:44 PM
Milledgeville?

The Pride of Baldwin County. Also where Ben Roethlisberger got in trouble with a co-ed IIRC.

The legislature had to leave Augusta due to the Yazoo Land Fraud scandal. Packed up and moved to Louisville. Not sure why they later moved again.

brevity
12-16-2019, 06:57 PM
Milledgeville?


The Pride of Baldwin County. Also where Ben Roethlisberger got in trouble with a co-ed IIRC.

The legislature had to leave Augusta due to the Yazoo Land Fraud scandal. Packed up and moved to Louisville. Not sure why they later moved again.

Vivian Ward is from Milledgeville, Georgia. Last few seconds of this video:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRNf1l-D1tA

(I lived in Georgia when I saw this movie. I remember a handful of audience members from Milledgeville cheered loudly from the unexpected mention.)

roywhite
12-16-2019, 07:15 PM
I honeymooned in Bahama...not the Bahamas...had no money at the time. We stayed at some big B/B that was in or very near Bahama.

Since we're hopelessly off-track here, got to say that northern Durham County up towards Bahama and Rougemont is gorgeous country. I'll guess that many here have been up that way, but it's worth seeing.

Devil in the Blue Dress
12-16-2019, 07:55 PM
Since we're hopelessly off-track here, got to say that northern Durham County up towards Bahama and Rougemont is gorgeous country. I'll guess that many here have been up that way, but it's worth seeing.

People who live in that part of Durham County call it “God’s country.”

OZZIE4DUKE
12-16-2019, 08:01 PM
I honeymooned in Bahama...not the Bahamas...had no money at the time. We stayed at some big B/B that was in or very near Bahama.
We used to have off-campus fraternity rush parties at the Spruce Pines cabin in Bahama! A lot of good times were had there, along with a lot of liquor 🥃. We hired a bus to transport everyone so no we ne had to drive back to campus drunk.

sagegrouse
12-16-2019, 10:06 PM
We used to have off-campus fraternity rush parties at the Spruce Pines cabin in Bahama! A lot of good times were had there, along with a lot of liquor 🥃. We hired a bus to transport everyone so no we ne had to drive back to campus drunk.

We just drove back drunk from Spruce Pine.

DukeDTD
12-16-2019, 11:00 PM
We just drove back drunk from Spruce Pine.

Sent a chill down my spine. I have vague recollections.

heyman25
12-16-2019, 11:13 PM
Being a Durham native and Duke alum I thought I should chip in about Bahama and Rougemont. I think a person named Clay Hamner developed Treyburn a mini Research Triangle in that region. Growing up I rode a bicycle with no gears to a property the late mayor of Durham owned Jim Hawkins.His son Bill was a former CEO of Medtronic and former Duke Board of Trustees member and from my class year.That ride started near East Campus in Trinity Park. The drive in that area was superb. Beautiful Landscapes, the Eno River. I heard rumor Jay Williams 54 seconds against MD fame owns a home in that part of Durham County.