Quick hitter #6 – RB, Cliff Harris speaks of fan support and winning

Cliff Harris ran for 95 yards on 17 carries in Duke’s 31-7 win over Northwestern.  He stated that some of his play was dedicated to injured teammate Re’quan Boyette before talking about conditioning and the fan support.

What was the first thing you did after the win over James Madison?

The first thing I did was  … I ran to the fans and I thanked them for their support because it’s been awhile since we’ve had that kind of fan base at the game.  I really enjoyed playing in front of that many people, this being my first game as a senior.  And I really hope they come out and support us against against Northwestern.  I will always thank the fans after every game because I really do appreciate the support.

Can you describe the feeling you had after last seasons victory over Northwestern and then the one over JMU?

Basically, iI was just as happy then as I am now.  It’s the same feeling.  This (JMU) is a fresh start for us, but the win is behind us and focus on Northwestern.  They remember what happened last year too, so they will bring their best game.

It seemed as if the team was fresher than normal in the second half …

Our conditioning level is the best it’s been in the four years I’ve been here.  I mean, the whole team felt fresher during the third and fourth quarter.  In the locker room (halftime) you could tell because nobody started cramping or anything like that.

Now that the team has tasted an opening victory, is there an anxiousness to get to the next game?

Yeah, I mean, once you win the first game you realize just how good it feels and you want to work harder and enjoy that feeling again on Saturday.

(Pictured – Cliff Harris, left and Re’Quan Boyette, right)

Quick Hitter #5 – OG, Rob Schirmann talks fundamentals and appreciation for the Wade Crazies

The Duke offensive line played very well in the opening day win over James Madison last Saturday. They will test themselves against the Northwestern defense this weekend in a battle of two 1-0 teams. Rob Schirmann is an offensive guard and leader who is part of a senior core for Duke. Schirmann’s 25 career starts is tops among the interior lineman.

It took Duke its first four games last season to gain as many yards on the ground as you all did this past Saturday. What do you attribute the improvement to?

We’ve been working pretty hard on our run game. We’ve been working on all of our skills. We’ve practicing pad level, our steps and all the fundamentals. We’ve just been working hard on that and you can see it in a game.

Are you part of the Cutcliffe weight loss plan? What did you weigh last year?

I was about 285 and I’m about 275 now. I lost more in the off season, but tried to gain a little bit more. It’s increased my strength and I’ve lost a couple of percentages of body fat and I’ve gotten a little quicker in the off season. It’s all been very positive.

It’s been awhile since you’ve won a game, how do you think you will react to that this week?

We will not focus on that this week. There’s no big heads around here and there’s no big ego’s. Nothing from last week will effect how we focus and prepare this week, how we go into this game. We’re strictly focused on Northwestern.

What is your reaction on the crowd this past Saturday and the Blue Devil Walk?

Personally, I thought that was great. And the Blue Devil Walk pretty much amazed me. I was extremely excited and pumped up to see all the students out there on that and in the stadium, seeing them all out there through the rain delay … I’m real happy we had that kind of support.

What did you do after the victory?

The first thing I did was smile. Then I looked over at the student section and not a single person had left. It was unlike anything I had seen in the past during the four years I had been here.  It was a good feeling and was pretty exciting.

Cutcliffe Era off to a rousing start (corrected)

When Coach Cutcliffe was announced as the new football coach at Duke University, he wasted little time in an attempt to change the culture surrounding Duke Football.  If last nights 31-7 victory over James Madison is any indication he has succeeded to do so on the field.

 

There were more areas to improve upon besides on the field performance, namely the game day atmosphere.  Folks, some people actually complained about the traffic despite getting to Wallace Wade three to five hours before kickoff.  What a pleasant departure that was from days gone by when gripes were related to the lack of atmosphere.

 

There was no shortage of activities to participate in.  Everywhere you looked, tailgates were hopping.  While some enjoyed the company of familiar friends and family, others chose to mingle about campus where the buzz was evident from the Chapel to the stadium.

 

The smell of freshly cooked food permeated the air on this humid August day, but new found hope has it’s own unique smell.  Hope is what Blue Devil faithful have lived for going into  many seasons only to have that optimism dashed shortly after kickoff.

 

I was amazed at how many fans were wearing Duke Blue.  While a few students dressed in various entertaining outfits, the rest adhered to Cut’s wishes.  Those who didn’t got free t-shirts as they walked in and they too were a part of many hits on this day.

 

The biggest hit besides the eventual on field performance was by far the Blue Devils Walk which started at the Chapel and ended at Wallace Wade.  If you missed this inaugural walk, you missed a lot, but not to worry, you have a chance to be there for next weeks Northwestern game.

 

Kids were playing on various inflatable and students munching out and socializing.  New Duke Athletic Director Kevin White was there with the Chapel as a backdrop.  The new Blue Devil Mascot was posing on the steps just behind him and former players and fans were all gathered to greet the 2008-09 Duke Football team.  You could look in all directions and see smiles throughout the courtyard which was filled to the hilt with music and activities.

 

All of a sudden sirens blared through the air.  Two motor cycle policemen came rolling up with two buses in tow, one carrying the offense and one the defense. Fans all started to gather as Coach Cutcliffe was first off the bus.

 

Coach then gathered his team for a brief talk and then a moment of silence.  He wasted no time afterwards turning and leading his team to the sidewalk where fans had gathered in a thick manner on both sides.   Some screamed adoration in a way that was normally saved for the basketball team. 

Speaking of the basketball team, Kyle Singler, Olek Czyz, Nolan Smith and many others were there with various frats, sororities and classmates.  It didn’t take the average observer long to realize that Coach Cutcliife had sold his team and the fact that it was indeed the dawn of a new day

 

As the team walked through, they were greeted in a most genuine way.  The smiles were wide and the emotion and joy was almost shocking compared to events of the past.  The march went all the way through the quad, but it was far from over.  The team was then led across the street by their Coach where another bevy of fans awaited them. 

 

This time the band started playing and the cheerleaders who flanked them led cheers as Coach was escorted by the Blue Devil mascot past Cameron and into Wallace Wade Stadium.  Many coaches would stop to hug their families and players like Thaddues Lewis would reach out to catch many high and side fives. In short, it was an amazing scene of support two and a half hours before the supposed kickoff.

 

I did say supposed kickoff for the game was delayed by storms and lightening just fifteen minutes before kickoff.  The delay ended up being one hour and fifteen minutes, but on this night not even rain could dampen the newfound spirit.

 

Inside the stadium there was indeed a sea of blue on the home side and the return of the students to the home side was both natural and exciting.  The new unified base impressed more than a few as chatter was overheard.

 

I worried when the rain came in as some scrambled for cover.  I worried even more as students headed back to campus in droves.  The wait was difficult and don’t think Coach Cutcliffe didn’t know it   He took the time to come out from the tunnel to talk to the students after the delay was announced.  I then thought to myself, well this will keep the core together and it did.

 

Soon thereafter, music blared and the team rolled out of the tunnel in a cloud of smoke and the start of the season was finally at hand.   Players exhorted the fans and the fans res poned in kind. And the students, to their credit came rolling back through the gates.

 

The student body is to be commended with major props.  It was the best student atmosphere in recent memory for some of us and the best ever for anyone under thirty years of age.  Quite simply, the students added to the experience and more importantly enjoyed themselves.

 

The joy was shared by the hardcore fans and those who decided to give Duke another shot.  Some fans worried that the new car smell would rub off quickly with a loss, but this is the kind of attitude which needs to change.

 

Duke started the game a bit slow and it was obvious they were getting use to playing another team and shaking off some rust during actual game activity.  A nice drive sent the Devils to a 7-0 lead, but JMU responded with a score of their own in just five plays riding the legs of QB Rodney Landers.

 

Duke would score again as time ran out in the first half on a Lewis to Riley pass.  The momentum was huge going into the locker room and Riley and Lewis would hook up again in the second half.  It seemed as if Duke had started to gain their confidence as the half was ending, but with recent history, wait and see was a must.

JMU had a big run back on the opening kickoff opening the 2^nd half.  All of a sudden it looked as if it would be a game that would go to the wire.  Duke not only survived that with the help of an Marshall interception, they went on to shut out the Dukes outscoring them 17-0.  The great thing about this was the fact that Coach Cutcliffe showed the ability to make halftime adjustments and those moves locked up the Dukes passing game.

 

How long has it been since Duke made positive adjustments?  The answer is that most cannot remember!  Then there is the fact that Duke looked fresh – real fresh.  Duke dominated the second half and the 31-7 final could have been worse.

 

As the game wound down, Cutcliffe made his way over to the students and once again thanked them for their support.  He also made it clear that he was changing the culture and that the pulling down of any goal post would come at a later time in  the season.

 

So, Duke Football shined on this rainy night as many walked away happy as fireworks lit up the night sky.  It had been a long time since fans had been the part of a decisive win. 

 

On this same day UNC beat McNeese State in a close game and Maryland slipped past Delaware as well.  Both McNeese State and Delaware were ranked in the FCS top ten, but neither of them was considered to be as good as JMU, a team Duke handled easily.

 

Add disappointing losses by Virginia Tech and Clemson and one could make a case that Duke has the most impressive win during the opening weekend.

 

In ending I would like to give props to all.  Coach Cutcliffes work payed off handsomely, the fans were great and the promotions were on target.  The best thing is that we get to do it all next Saturday evening against Northwestern.  So, come on out to Wallace Wade early and wear your Duke Blue.

Are you ready for some football?

 

 

I’m ready for some football?  Trust me, there will be a lot of newness tomorrow.  New Coach, new hope, new attitude, new uniforms, new cheerleaders in new uniforms, new Devil (you’ll see), new entrance, new traditions born, new closed end scoreboard, new sounds, new promotions, new student section, new programs … you get the picture yet?  Folks, this is the dawn of a new era, so be there early to greet the team during the Blue Devil Walk and soak in the new traditions.  As always the Blue Devil Nation is on the scene and here are a few pictures that may just get you riled up.  That said, be loud, be proud and wear DUKE BLUE!

Game Day – James Madison @ Duke – A dozen things to watch for on Saturday evening

1- Wear Blue! -The word is out and the word is blue!  Coach Cutcliffe spent the summer doing all he could to promote Duke Football.  The latest, if you haven’t already hear is to show up for the game wearing your Duke Blue.  “I expect to see a sea of blue,” said Coach Cutcliffe during his most recent press conference.  What to watch for-  The students have been moved back to the home side and will be behind the players for the first time in years.  It will be interesting to see if the cheers are coordinated in the sea of blue.

2- Get there early!  Duke is expecting a big crowd and more traffic than usual.  Duke will have a team walk from the Chapel to Wallace Wade, where fans are invited to get involved.  Duke will also have kid activities and music.  It’s always fun to walk about the multiple tailgates too.  It’s a new season and a new tradition and it starts with you, the Duke fan! What to watch for- Coach Cutcliffe has promised a new game day experience.  This includes a secretive new way of the team entering the stadium.  Stay late for fireworks and at halftime Coach K and Duke Olympians will be honored.   Also, the students are notoriously late in years past.  Will this change?

3- Concessions- Sounds odd?  Well, Duke has not been prepared for large crowds in the past and this year studies have been made to keep this from happening.  What to watch for – Will they run out of H20 before halftime in what might prove to be a humid evening?

4 – Atmosphere and Emotion- It’s clear that Duke wants the typical game day atmosphere you get at some other schools.  Much work has gone into the planning and you can bet there will be changes, perhaps even a little noise to elicit cheers.  This is not an opera folks!  So, don’t worry about the polite claps and feel free to let out a scream or two.  Bring your yahoo in and leave your worries of what others might think at the gate.  Crowd emotion drives the players, player emotion drives the crowd.  Let’s get emotional!  What to watch for – When it’s third and one on offense or defense, will the crowd be passive or a little amped up?

5 – James Madison- JMU has been known to hit a team square in the mouth from the outset.  They possess quickness and confidence and desperately want this win.  The Dukes are ranked no lower than 3rd in the country in any Division I-A poll and 1st in two.  Last years edition was one of the youngest under Coach Mickey Matthews and they all return.  This team lost by one point to Appalachian State in last seasons Championships and had it won if not for a late turnover.  What to watch for- Will JMU come into the game with a swagger?  More importantly, will they leave with one?

6 – James Madison on offense-  Expect to see an offense that spreads the ball around a lot.  Their backfield runs a lot of motion and fakes and is as hard to prepare for as the option.  Quarterback Rodeny Landers will run and run and run.  He’s big and hard to tackle and will be the center of attention at all times.    JMU has several players capable of making big plays with their speed.  What to watch for -If Duke shows the ability to contain the run, how accurate can Landers be in the air?  He completed 63% of his passes last season and threw for 12 scores.  Will Eugene TB Holloman run roughshod over the Duke defense?

7- James Madison on defense -These guys like to stack the box and try and shut down the run.  In last seasons loss to UNC, JMU effectively shut down the run, ultimately losing the game to turnovers.  This team will play a lot more physical than many expect.  What to watch for -JMU feels their secondary is a strength.  Can they shut down a Duke team that will likely pass more this season?

8 – Duke on offense -There is a new sheriff in town and he his own deputies in tow.  Duke will spread the ball around tmore this season and go to Eron Riley often.  Thaddeus Lewis has shown the ability to be a leader and the offensive line has improved.  Al eyes will be on the running game where there are depth issues and freshman or newcomers slated to get reps.  What to watch for -Coach Cutcliffe wants to see a crisp offense ran to precision.  Can Duke run the ball enough to take pressure off Thaddeus Lewis in the pocket and will the offensive line hold up?

9- Duke on defense- Duke has a pretty good starting lineup, but will be breaking in a new safety which is a critical position.  Depth as always is an issue.  Tackling has been better than I remember in the pre season and a slimmed down unit should be quicker to the ball.  During the pre season, Coach told the players to treat the ground like a hot stove.  “You can’t make a play if you are on your back,” said Cutcliffe.  The defense will be the most interesting said that it was not the attention of the media in the pre season.  What to watch for -Coach Cutcliffe knows there is little depth on the front and in the linebacker positions.  Will this unit hold up for an entire game?

10 – Special Teams -It got to the point last season where I would close my eyes on field goals and extra points.  Nick Maggio has proved to be consistent in practice and will get the call.  Punting has been a pleasant surprise in the pre season.  As for coverage, it will make or break a team in close contests.  What to watch for – Will Coach call upon Maggio in short yardage situations or elect to go for it.  This is one area that needs consistency for the teams confidence and to win close games.  How improved will this unit be under Coach Middleton?  A good kickoff or punt return could prove to be a huge spark.  As important, will they allow JMU good field position or the big play on the other end.

11- The fourth quarter - Much has been made about off season conditioning and Coach has alluded to having enough in the tank to be able to win a game in the fourth quarter and or finish.   What to watch for -A score.  Fourth quarter points were as scarce as sell outs for the past several seasons.  Can Duke take a game from beginning to end?

12- Intangibles -This category is perhaps the most important.  (A) Turnovers - This might decide the game on Saturday evening.  Duke must protect and value the ball.  (B) Clock Management – This always applies, but the NCAA has a new rule and Duke must get up to the ball in a timely manner (C) Penalties - Face it, Duke has not been disciplined in the past and shot themselves in the foot on many occasions.  Precision and attention will be important all season long. (D) The sidelines -   All too often in the past, the Duke sideline looked emotionless with many players hanging around talking about classes and after game affairs.  (E) Resilience – This is a key to being a winner.  Can Duke bounce back after being down?  Can they drive the nail into the coffin when they are up?  What to watch  for -  All of the above!

Game Week – Coach Cutcliffe talks of a new beginning and more

The Blue Devil Nation was once again on hand after this mornings practice and we chatted briefly with Coach Cutcliffe.  This was the last time the media could talk to him during opening game week.  All of the question were asked by Brian Strickland of the Herald Sun and myself.

It’s just over fifty hours before kickoff on Saturday.  What are your feelings at this time?

I feel like we’re prepared.  Today’s practice looked that way.  I thought defensively, offensively and  the kicking game had people where they were supposed to be and knew what to do and were pretty crisp and focused.  This is your dress rehearsal every week on Thursday and you find out a lot about your team.  It’s the first time they’ve seen the way we do things, so I was pleased with it for the most part.

Do you get nervous before the games?

Not really.  I get butterflies like anybody does on occasion from the excitement.  I wouldn’t call it nervousness.  There’s too many things to do to be nervous with last minute things going on.  I enjoy game day and try to enjoy that experience and I want the players to enjoy it.  We’re pretty intense as you guys know that are around here during the week.  On game day, I am going to be intense, but if they’re not ready after this, it’s not their fault, it’s mine.

Coach, you’ve been doing a lot of promotion in the off season.  Do you think that’s been a success?

Absolutely!  I think we’ll see that Saturday night.  I think we’ll see more than a full house.  I don’t say that to keep people from coming, but to encourage them to come for I think it’s going to be mpore fun than they’ve had in Wallace Wade Stadium in a long time.

Coach K had some nice things to say about the program during his press conference yesterday.  Can you give me a brief comment about that?

Certainly!  I appreciate his support from the start, the very beginning.  Here’s a guy bringing home the Gold and he sets his press conference on Wednesday.  I know he’s still tired and just to make the comment that he want’s the press conference  out of the way and everything to be focused on the football team is just unbelievable.  It doesn’t surprise because of who he is.  I sat and kind of measured him up during the press conference … here’s a guy who is a graduate of West Point who played for the winningest coach of all time.  He’s won over 800 games himself, three national titles and now Olympic Gold.  I’m just kind of looking at him saying, “whats next?” 

Can you talk about OL Kyle Hill and what he’s done?

He’s done a really nice job to come out and start in his first game as an offensive lineman.  He takes a lot of pride and he is athletic.  I think it gives us one of the most athletic sides of the line with him and Cameron Goldberg.  I like athletes, you guys know that.  Neither one of them have an ounce on them.  I look forward to seeing Kyle compete.  I’m sure he’ll make some mistakes, but if you are going to make them, do it is full speed which is one of my motto’s.

You will be back on the field as a head coach this weekend which is something you wanted to get back to …

I’m not going to be arrogant, but I will tell you that I feel very natural doing that.  It’s what I prefer.  When I have coached as an offensive coordinator, I’m the head coach of that offensive team and I’m focused.  From a competing (as an OC) standpoint, we had a plan from the get go.  I mean no disrespect to the coaches I’ve coached for, but (being in charge) is my nature and I’m very, very comfortable around this staff.  I look forward to really going out and competing with them.

We’ve had quite a bit of rain of late.  How might that paly into field conditions?

The field will drain.  It’s a sand based field and I think it’ll be fine.  I’m not sure what’s coming up, but we might have a couple of thunder busters between now and the game.  We all surfed in here yesterday.  It was the largest amount of water I’ve ever dealt with in a practice situation.  I really don’t care what the fields like.  If we play well and take care of the football and do the things we’ve got to do I will like watching our team compete.

An aside, the field was being painted as I left and the North Carolina sunshine started to burst between the clouds.  The field looked to be in good shape.  It’s been a crazy week of coverage where this site has been burning the candle at both ends.  Next week should allow us to get back to more writing, instead of the interview formats we’ve adopted for times sake.  Lastly, wear blue and turnout foe the game on Saturday evening.  I’ve been tipped off about some new experiences that should please Duke fans.  You will want to get into the stadium early to catch the full effect.

Game Week – Eron Riley Interview

Eron Riley has the potential to score on any possession when he’s on the field.  Riley hauled in a career high 9 touchdowns last season to go with a 20.8 average.  Riley took the time to talk about his team and the enthusiasm surrounding Duke Football going into the season opener against James Madison.

It’s game week!  What are your thoughts on Saturday’s game?

This is what we’ve been waiting for since our loss to Carolina in November.  All these off season workouts we’re running will pay off.  We’re ready to hit somebody besides our own teammates.

Coach Cutcliffe said Duke just wants to concentrate on Duke and not so much James Madison.  Is that the way you feel?

We can watch tape and prepare, but we will control what we can go and we’ll go out there and play our game and we feel like things will take care of themselves.  It’s my last season and we have a new coach and a new enthusiasm around campus, so I’m excited and hope we have a good crowd this Saturday.

What changes will fans notice that is different than in years past?

We’ll play a lot more people and run a lot more formations.  We’ll spread the ball around – a lot of people will have the ball in their hands.

You have a new offensive system.  Do you feel like you’ve got it down pat?

When he got hired, we had our playbooks first thing.  We spent a lot of time in our playbooks mentally.  So by the time took it to the field we picked up pretty quickly on it.

Is there a noticeable difference in the excitement level on campus?

A lot more!  Even on our first day of class, people were asking are you ready for the game. Many said we’re going to be out there … just words of encouragement.

The students have moved back to the home side, in well, several years.  How will it feel to have the Duke fans and students together?

I think it is really good to have the students behind us and hearing them cheering and yelling for us. 

Do you like the new offense?

Yes, I really like it.  I get to line up as a slot sometimes.  It’s versatile and I really like it.  We use each others talents to make us better.

Is it important to win this game?  Do you feel any pressure to win?

It’s always important to win.  Yes, especially with all the promotions and enthusiasm around campus.  If we go out there and lose, people can say same old Duke.  I feel like we have to go out there and make a statement.

Game Week – Cutcliffe talks to the media, part I

Coach Cutcliffe addressed the media today with the emphasis on changing the culture of Duke Football and asking the fans to be in the stands early.

Opening statements - We are going to have a Blue Out.  So, we want everybody to wear blue to the game.  We want to see a sea of blue in the stadium. 

Just evaluating our team, there are three phases that have happened already.  There’s winter conditioning, there is spring practice and summer conditioning work.  All three phases, we’ve gotten better.  Is it good enough?  I’m not saying that.  But we’re at a point of being so far away, that we have miles to go before we sleep, so to speak.  The fourth phase is the season.  It’s very obvious we are better as a team.  I can give some specifics. 

We are much better in the kicking game.  Again, consider where we were!  So, much better is not good enough to this point in my opinion.  But we are much better!  Our punting, our place kicking … our kickoff has been excellent.  I like our ability to be a good return team!  Our coverage has been much better than what it’s been.  I think we can make some things happen.  I think we can block some kicks.

As far as throwing and catching the ball — I was very concerned after spring practice.  They (team) struggled with that.  Our throwing and catching was really poor.  It has now reached the point where it is much better.  Again, it’s a little too inconsistent than what I like, but I’m pleased with the progress.

One of the areas I’m most pleased with is the pass coverage.  I think our secondary has done a tremendous job at this point.  I hope it is an indication of them improving, not our receivers not being able to separate.  There has been a tremendous job done by Coach Jones and Coach MacIntyre in that regard.

Our tackling has been better.  You can’t play good defense … the scheme doesn’t matter if you can’t tackle.  Our tackling is not where it should be at this time, but it is better than any point in spring practice.  If I had to lift something quickly right now, I would pray for great tackling.

The biggest concern I have, although there is improvement are both fronts.  Our front on defense is much better, but I have a major concern about depth there.  The offensive line is the same thing.  There has been drastic improvement, but it’s still not where it needs to be and the depth is horrendous at this point.

Overall, the thing that has helped us get better is better practice habits.  I knew the first time I saw this team that was an issue.  We sometimes try to revert back to 0-12, 1-11 habits.  That’s what we’re here for is to make them understand you practice with the same intensity and the same execution which never waivers and we lose focus.  Our jobs as coaches is to immediately correct that.  If we continue to do that through the season, by the time we get to November, we can be a good football team.  We are not the most talented team in the conference, but we need to be a good football team and if you are a good football team you can carry into the fourth quarter and win the game.

On the importance of a good showing on Saturday night …  Thank goodness there’s expectations.  I like that.  Obviously I know of the importance of going out and playing well and people coming back.  The biggest challenge is to generate the interest have some expectations.  If you don’t go in expecting to do well, you generally will not.

On changing the culture and the mentality of players -  We have them everyday since last January and we’ve made progress in that regard.  The thing we had to do was get the people enthused, get them in the stands, sell the stadium out.  There has been too much finger pointing when it comes to Duke Football.  We all have to take responsibility..  Our Administration has been a part of this and very supportive and they’ve declared that they want to change the culture of football at Duke and we are taking that serious.  I’m not going to be afraid to challenge people.  If it’s not good enough on their end then I need to let them know.  They can be mad if they want, but we are serious about changing the football program.

Part 2 is coming soon. Pictured is Coach David Cutcliffe and new Athletic Director, Kevin White. (copyright BDNP)

Game Week – Thaddeus Lewis Interview

Copyright BDN Photography

Who is your biggest fan or the one who encourages you the most during your career? 

My Momma!  She’s my biggest fan.  So I have to give a shout out to my Mother.  My big brother too.  He’s kind of like my idol.  My brother is nine years older than me and everything he’s done in sports, I’d like to follow.

What was it that you liked about Duke when making your collegiate choice?

Duke is somewhere you can be comfortable at.  You want to be somewhere where somebody wants you.  I wanted to contribute right away and there is a family atmosphere here amongst the coaches. 

Some in the media are saying Zack Asack is pushing you in practice.  How do you feel about that?  Does it make you a better player or do you just try to be the best Thad can be?

I don’t like to read the media, but I’m glad he is.  That’s the type of thing you want.  God forbid anything happen, but you would want someone behind you that can lead this team if something was to happen to me.  So, it’s a good thing, it makes me a better player making me compete everyday.  I wouldn’t have it no other way.

What do you think of Coach Cutcliffe so far?

Coach Cutcliffe is a great man!  A guy that’s going to push you to your limit.  He wants the best out of you everyday and will not let you settle for less.  That’s the type of man you want around.

How about Coach Roper the OC?

Coach Roper is a fun guy.  He stays on you!  He’s a good teacher. 

I noticed during the opening day with the media that your body looked a little different than last season …

They brought in Coach Durfey as the strength and conditioning coach.  He has a good weight program and works us hard.  If you come into our locker room you are there to be in pursuit of excellence, so if you are not ready to work, well …  It took a lot of hard work, plus the challenge that Coach told us he wanted us to drop weight and get to a certain level of body fat.

Do you have a different gel going into this season than last year?  What’s your general feel?

More mature.  Confident in what you can do.  This is my third offense in three years, but being a leader you have to adjust.  It feels kind of good in that you have a lot of players around you who have that game experience.

Tell me a little bit about being a leader for this season’s team …

I’m not a real vocal leader, but I try to show it through my actions.  You do everything to the best of your abilities and let the guys see your working hard and they will follow.

I assume you have a good relationship with Eron Riley.  Have you two developed …

Definitely!  Since me and Eron have been connecting with each other … sometimes the two of us will come out here and throw some balls together trying to get our timing down.  Just going to his house and playing games and hanging … it’s a relationship we are all in on here.

What are your goals for the coming season?  Any personal goals?

No personal goals, just a team goal.  Every time you hear us shout it will be “We are Duke.”  We’re going to take it one game at a time and do whatever it takes to fill up that stadium out there. (interview on practice field)

Tough question here … In the recent past Duke hasn’t fared well at home.  You have four consecutive to open the season starting with James Madison.  What will you do to turn it around?

People want to see you win.  If we go out there and get that first “W,” we know they’ll want to come back to see you.  But they will want to see if we can repeat the success as well.  If you give the fans what they want, you definitely are going to get that support.  You’ve got to earn it.

What is Thad’s message to Duke fans going into Saturday evening’s opener with a tough JMU team?

We hope to see you there.  We’re going to go out there and give it our all and try to give them a show.  Our guys will always come out and give it our best and no matter the results we’ll come back hard in our pursuit of excellence.  People say that winning isn’t everything, but actually it is and we want to get a win.

Duke Football: Freshman of Influence

I asked Coach Cutcliffe which freshman looked as if they were ready to contribute right away this season.  The following is the list he gave BDN.

DB Matt Daniels #40 (6-1, 195)- “Matt Daniels looks like he will be able to contribute on defense,” sad Coach Cutcliffe after a recent practice.    Daniels will compete for time in the secondary.   Set a single game rushing record of 348 yards while at Fayette County HS in Georgia.  Tallied 268 tackles in his career and pulled in 7 interceptions.

DB Lee Butler #36 (5-10, 180)- Coach Cutcliffe also mentioned Butler as a player who could step in right away.  Butler most recently had 4 tackles and cause a late fumble to seal a South Carolina victory over North Carolina in the annual Shrine Bowl which is an all star game.  Had 1263 all purpose yards and 11 touchdowns last season for Westside High in Anderson, S.C.

ST, LB Trent Mackey #20 (5-10, 220)- “I expect to see Trent Mackey get some time on special teams and eventually make it at the linebacker,” said Coach Cutcliffe.  There has been a buzz around Mackey during early practices.  Had 103 tackles, 13 for losses as a senior at Carnecro HS in Louisiana.

 

 

WR Johnny Williams #37 (5-10, 190)- “Johnny Williams has certainly set a strong pace at receiver.  He’s been one of our leading receivers in every scrimmage we’ve had,” said Coach Cutcliffe.  Williams is a very talented youngster capable of making big plays.  He ran first team more often than not in many drills.  Was a do all athlete at St. Stephens HS in Alabama.  One of the true gems in the class of 2008.

RB Jay Hollingsworth #27 (5-10, 185)- With injuries to tailbacks, Hollingsworth will be depended upon to carry an early load.  Looks like a pure running back in practices.  Was rated the number three running back in the state by RIvals.  Played his ball locally at Lee County H.S. in Sanford, North Carolina.  “Hollingsworth is getting a lot of snaps at running back.  We have major concerns in that area.  I think that Jay continues to get himself ready to play,” said Cutcliffe.

There are a handful of others who could make this list.  It’ll be interesting to watch the 08 guys develop as the season moves along.