Duke Blue Devils 2009
June 24th, 2009 by Jeremy Shory
2008 overall record: 4-8
2008 conference record: 1-7
Returning starters Offense: 5, Defense: 5, Kicker/Punter: 2
Top returns: QB Thaddeus Lewis, WR Johnny Williams, RB Jay Hollingsworth, RB Re’Quan Boyette, OG Kyle Hill, C Bryan Morgan, CB Leon Wright, LB Vincent Rey, DT Vince Oghobaase
Key losses: RB Clifford Harris, WR Eron Riley, OT Cameron Goldberg, LB Michael Tauiliili, FS Adrian Aye-Darko.
Fall Fantasy Question
The Offensive Line: The offensive line struggled this spring to replace three starters. There was minimal improvement, but nothing can compensate for game day experience. Kyle Hill moved from left guard to left tackle, so the unit has a whole new look. The one player back in his original position is center Bryan Morgan.
Team Breakdown
Lewis doing his best Brett Favre impersonation. (ICONSMI)
Quarterback – Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis would be a household name if he played at any other school. Lewis has experience as he’s started 34 games. Last season Lewis threw for 2,171 yards 15 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He ranked fifth in the ACC in quarterback efficiency. The Blue Devil’s roster offers more than Lewis, though. Sean Renfree is a four-star quarterback out of Arizona, signed in 2008, who will be groomed to be the starter in 2010. 2008 Stats: Lewis – 224 for 361, 2,171 yards, 15 TDs, 6 INT, 69 rushes for 96 yards, 2 TDs.
ACC Rank – 5
Running Back – The return of Re’quan Boyette will have the most impact on this team offensively. Boyette was Duke’s leading rusher in the 2006 and 2007 seasons, but missed all of 2008 with a knee injury. Last year’s returning leading rusher, Jay Hollingsworth, led the Blue Devils with almost 400 rushing yards. Tony Jackson also saw significant time last year, while gaining 259 yards, and showing good speed in his limited opportunities. 2008 Stats: Hollingsworth – 108 rushes for 399 yards, 1 TD, 25 receptions for 188 yards, 2 TDs. 2007 Stats: Boyette – 104 rushes for 432, 2 TDs, 14 receptions for 77 yards.
ACC Rank – 11
Wide Receiver – Johnny Williams, the second leading receiver for the Blue Devils is back. He had 30 receptions for 327 yards last season, and will be Duke’s feature receiver this season no that Eron Riley is gone. 5-9 Donovan Varner had 21 catches, and will be a bigger part of the offense. 6-3 Austin Kelly adds height to the group. 2008 Stats: Williams – 30 for 327 yards. Varner – 21 for 164 yards, 1 TD. Kelly – 13 for 142 yards.
ACC Rank – 9
Tight End – TE Brett Huffman is the solid starter for this group. He had a decent season as a sophomore last year and should look to be on the receiving end of a few more touchdowns this year. 2008 Stats: Huffman – 14 for 171 yards, 1 TD.
ACC Rank – 5
Defense – Much like Virginia, so much has been made about David Cutcliffe and what he is doing to this offense that not much has been mentioned about the defense. The biggest departure out of the six that graduated on this side of the ball is linebacker Michael Tauiliili who was drafted late in the NFL draft this past April. He was vocal leader and stepped up when needed. Duke will really need for some leadership to come from guys like defensive tackle Vince Oghobaase and linebacker Vincent Rey for this team to stay solid and give Duke a legitimate chance at a bowl game this year.
ACC Rank – 10
Kicker/Special Teams – Duke has a solid, young kicker that will be able to double up as punter in the 2009 season in Nick Maggio. He had a 78% field goal accuracy and 100% extra point accuracy. Only issue here is that the opportunities were not as frequent as it was for other teams in 2008. Return duty will be determined during fall camp. 2008 Stats: Maggio – 28 for 28 extra points, 11 of 14 field goals, longest field goal was 46 yards.
ACC Rank – 9
2009 Schedule
Sept. 5 Richmond
Sept. 12 at Army
Sept. 19 at Kansas
Sept. 26 North Carolina Central
Oct. 3 Virginia Tech
Oct. 10 at North Carolina State
Oct. 17 BYE
Oct. 24 Maryland
Oct. 31 at Virginia
Nov. 7 at North Carolina
Nov. 14 Georgia Tech
Nov. 21 at Miami (FL)
Nov. 28 Wake Forest
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