ShaunyBoy
July 4th, 2008, 11:08 PM
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x182/WesternStateWR/Duke%20Dynasty/Header3.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x182/WesternStateWR/Duke%20Dynasty/150.gif2009 Season Previewhttp://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x182/WesternStateWR/Duke%20Dynasty/150.gif
Duke enters the 2009 season coming off one of a major disappointment going 2-9 overall and winless in the ACC at 0-8. Coach Cutcliffe enters his 3rd and final season of his contract and it is little secret that if he does not win now and often that he could be out of a job. It will be vitual for Senior QB Thaddeaus Lewis to continue to improve and take care of the ball if the Blue Devils want to have any chance. Only 9 starters return from last years team so it appears that many freshman and sophmores will have to step into what will be a very tough schedule and perform early and often.
The Schedule: There is no such thing as an easy schedule when your playing in the ACC, so when looking at Dukes out of conference it is clear to see that they want to stay fresh throughout the whole season which kicks off at home September 5th against Kansas State. These two teams met last year in the season finale with Duke winning it 20-17 on a last second FG. However the following week is a start yet another brutal stretch to start a season that could cripple a team like Dukes confidence. On September 12th the Blue Devils will travel to play the Indians of Arksansas State who finished 13-0 in 2008. Duke then opens a slate of 7 straight ACC games starting with a trip to North Carolina State followed by a trip to play preseason ranked #20 Virginia. Then they return home to play Virginia Tech who coming off a 2-10 season in 2008 will be looking for revenge upon the whole ACC. After that follows a trip to #12 ranked Miami before a return trip back home to play Georgia Tech and finally bye on October 24th will give the Blue Devils the chance to regain composure for the last stretch of the season which includes Mississippi State and of course North Carolina. It will be very important for Duke to steal a victory or two in the ACC if they want to have there first winning season since 1994.
Offense: The offense returns 5 starters from last years team that averaged 298 yards of offense per game, which ranked 10th in the ACC. However the big question is will Duke be able to continue to move the ball with the likes of Re'Quan Boyette and Eron Riley graduating.
QB: The QB battle went back and forth throughout the 2008 season and Cutcluffe vouches not to let that happen again as he has made it public that Thaddeaus Lewis (83 Overall) who is entering his season season will be the starter for the Blue Devils. Lewis split time with now back up Zack Asack last year who struggled majorly in his playing which is why coach Cutcliffe is giving the starting job for good to Lewis. Lewis was 136-209 1917 Yards with 9 TD's and 14 INT last season in just 8 games.
RB: The running backs once again look to be the strongest position on the offensive side of the ball for the Blue Devils coming into the 2009 season. They will be led by Sophmore BJ Rogers (82 Overall) who last year as the teams starting KR earned Freshman All-American honors, however a lack of playing time at the RB last season is a major question as he only carried the ball 4 times for 18 yards in 2008. You can also expect to see back up Senior Cliff Harris (85 Overall). Harris in 2008 was in the same position backing up graduated Re'Quan Boyette and only games 138 Yards on 50 carries for a below average 2.8 yards per carry, which might be why Rogers is starting over him. Devin Jackson (77 Overall) is listed at the 3rd string RB and will most likely continue to be the kick returner for the Blue Devils in 2009.
WR: The WR's coming into the 2009 season will be the major question marks of the offense, the question will not be talent but will the lack of experience catch up to them. They will be led by two True Freshman Adam Lewis (86 Overall) and Rashad Smith (78 Overall). Sheldon Bell (76 Overall) returns as the only starter at this position and will most likely stay as the starting slot WR. Bell in 2008 came away with 32 Rec. 501 Yards and a team leading 4 TD's. Other players that will play a role in the passing game will be Scott Brant (73 Overall) and true freshman Curtis Williamson (72 Overall). Williamson will be the teams starting KR.
TE: Danny Parker (82 Overall) will continue to start for the Blue Devils at the TE position. In 2008 he came away with a career high 21 Rec. 168 Yards and 2 TDs. Also fighting for playing time with be back ups Garrett Utt (79 Overall) and Ryan Jones (74 Overall).
O-Line: This unit for the last two seasons has without a doubt been the crack in the Blue Devils armor as they have failed to open running lanes and protect the passer, however with players like Captain LT Ryan Hill (88 Overall) and senior RT Ben Loebner (79 Overall), there is hope that the wholes will be bigger and the protection will be better. The fact of the matter is the Duke offense as a whole will only be as good as this unit up front is.
Defense: The 2008 Duke defense spent a lot of time on the field and it showed as they continously ware down game after game in the later quarters. With the graduation of players like Michael Tauiliili and Charles Robinson there are some majors questions coming into the 2009 season with this group.
D-Line: RS Senior Ayanga Okpokowurku (85 Overall) returns as the Blue Devils starting LE for the third straight season. In 2008 he tallied 36 total tackles, 14 of which went for loss, and 5 QB sacks. Along with Okpokowurku returns DT Vince Oghobaase (89 Overall) who was named team captain for the 2009 season. Oghobaase is a load upfront 6'6" 313 pounds and had a good season in 2008 with 34 Tackles, 11 TFL but no sacks. New starters on the line include Pontos Bendeon (80 Overall) and RE Ifreke Okpokowurku (79 Overall) who as a RS Sophmore looks to continue the tradition of great play such as in that of his older brother Ayanga.
LB: The linebackers for the 2009 season will all be new starts. Marcus Jones (74 Overall) will move back to his natural position in 2009 and once again start for the Blue Devils. As many may recall Jones started at 12 games in 2007 for Duke coming away with 39 Tackles, 4 of which went for loss. On the other side will be RS Junior Derek Thornton (79 Overall) who will be seeing his first action as a Duke starter after spending his first two seasons on special teams. However the man with the biggest whole to fill will be Senior MLB Sam Poggi (83 Overall). Poggi is replacing one of the best Duke linebackers on that of Michael Tauiliili who had 93 tackles in 2008 and walked away with 2nd team All-American honors as a senior.
DB: With the loses of SS Adrian Darko and CB Jabari Marshall to graduation, the pressure of making sure big plays to not occur in the secondary will fall onto 3 year starter at CB Leon Wright (84 Overall). Wright in 2008 came away with just 27 tackles with 1 INT and 3 pass break ups. It will be key that he keeps his composer and shows that he is ready to lead as on the other side will be true freshman Patrick Rose (81 Overall) who has all the ability in the world and could be one of the best corner to come through Duke before its all said and done. Returning at FS will be Senior Phillip Lamela (85 Overall) who had the roll of replacing All-American Chris Davis in 2008. This season with less pressure should allow Lamela to play to his ability and make huge plays both in the run and pass defense. The new starter at SS will be yet another true freshman in that of Maine native John Motte (73 Overall).
Offense: B Defense: B- Overall: B
Conference Outlook:
Atlantic:
1. Boston College Ranked #26
2. Florida State Ranked #27
3. Clemson Ranked #31
4. NC State Ranked #45
5. Maryland Ranked #50
6. Wake Forest Ranked #51
Coastal:
1. Miami Ranked #12
2. Virginia Ranked #20
3. North Carolina Ranked #53
4. Georgia Tech Ranked #73
5. Virginia Tech Ranked #83
6. Duke Ranked #90
Duke Players All-ACC
1st Team: NONE
2st Team: NONE
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x182/WesternStateWR/Duke%20Dynasty/150.gif2009 Season Previewhttp://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x182/WesternStateWR/Duke%20Dynasty/150.gif
Duke enters the 2009 season coming off one of a major disappointment going 2-9 overall and winless in the ACC at 0-8. Coach Cutcliffe enters his 3rd and final season of his contract and it is little secret that if he does not win now and often that he could be out of a job. It will be vitual for Senior QB Thaddeaus Lewis to continue to improve and take care of the ball if the Blue Devils want to have any chance. Only 9 starters return from last years team so it appears that many freshman and sophmores will have to step into what will be a very tough schedule and perform early and often.
The Schedule: There is no such thing as an easy schedule when your playing in the ACC, so when looking at Dukes out of conference it is clear to see that they want to stay fresh throughout the whole season which kicks off at home September 5th against Kansas State. These two teams met last year in the season finale with Duke winning it 20-17 on a last second FG. However the following week is a start yet another brutal stretch to start a season that could cripple a team like Dukes confidence. On September 12th the Blue Devils will travel to play the Indians of Arksansas State who finished 13-0 in 2008. Duke then opens a slate of 7 straight ACC games starting with a trip to North Carolina State followed by a trip to play preseason ranked #20 Virginia. Then they return home to play Virginia Tech who coming off a 2-10 season in 2008 will be looking for revenge upon the whole ACC. After that follows a trip to #12 ranked Miami before a return trip back home to play Georgia Tech and finally bye on October 24th will give the Blue Devils the chance to regain composure for the last stretch of the season which includes Mississippi State and of course North Carolina. It will be very important for Duke to steal a victory or two in the ACC if they want to have there first winning season since 1994.
Offense: The offense returns 5 starters from last years team that averaged 298 yards of offense per game, which ranked 10th in the ACC. However the big question is will Duke be able to continue to move the ball with the likes of Re'Quan Boyette and Eron Riley graduating.
QB: The QB battle went back and forth throughout the 2008 season and Cutcluffe vouches not to let that happen again as he has made it public that Thaddeaus Lewis (83 Overall) who is entering his season season will be the starter for the Blue Devils. Lewis split time with now back up Zack Asack last year who struggled majorly in his playing which is why coach Cutcliffe is giving the starting job for good to Lewis. Lewis was 136-209 1917 Yards with 9 TD's and 14 INT last season in just 8 games.
RB: The running backs once again look to be the strongest position on the offensive side of the ball for the Blue Devils coming into the 2009 season. They will be led by Sophmore BJ Rogers (82 Overall) who last year as the teams starting KR earned Freshman All-American honors, however a lack of playing time at the RB last season is a major question as he only carried the ball 4 times for 18 yards in 2008. You can also expect to see back up Senior Cliff Harris (85 Overall). Harris in 2008 was in the same position backing up graduated Re'Quan Boyette and only games 138 Yards on 50 carries for a below average 2.8 yards per carry, which might be why Rogers is starting over him. Devin Jackson (77 Overall) is listed at the 3rd string RB and will most likely continue to be the kick returner for the Blue Devils in 2009.
WR: The WR's coming into the 2009 season will be the major question marks of the offense, the question will not be talent but will the lack of experience catch up to them. They will be led by two True Freshman Adam Lewis (86 Overall) and Rashad Smith (78 Overall). Sheldon Bell (76 Overall) returns as the only starter at this position and will most likely stay as the starting slot WR. Bell in 2008 came away with 32 Rec. 501 Yards and a team leading 4 TD's. Other players that will play a role in the passing game will be Scott Brant (73 Overall) and true freshman Curtis Williamson (72 Overall). Williamson will be the teams starting KR.
TE: Danny Parker (82 Overall) will continue to start for the Blue Devils at the TE position. In 2008 he came away with a career high 21 Rec. 168 Yards and 2 TDs. Also fighting for playing time with be back ups Garrett Utt (79 Overall) and Ryan Jones (74 Overall).
O-Line: This unit for the last two seasons has without a doubt been the crack in the Blue Devils armor as they have failed to open running lanes and protect the passer, however with players like Captain LT Ryan Hill (88 Overall) and senior RT Ben Loebner (79 Overall), there is hope that the wholes will be bigger and the protection will be better. The fact of the matter is the Duke offense as a whole will only be as good as this unit up front is.
Defense: The 2008 Duke defense spent a lot of time on the field and it showed as they continously ware down game after game in the later quarters. With the graduation of players like Michael Tauiliili and Charles Robinson there are some majors questions coming into the 2009 season with this group.
D-Line: RS Senior Ayanga Okpokowurku (85 Overall) returns as the Blue Devils starting LE for the third straight season. In 2008 he tallied 36 total tackles, 14 of which went for loss, and 5 QB sacks. Along with Okpokowurku returns DT Vince Oghobaase (89 Overall) who was named team captain for the 2009 season. Oghobaase is a load upfront 6'6" 313 pounds and had a good season in 2008 with 34 Tackles, 11 TFL but no sacks. New starters on the line include Pontos Bendeon (80 Overall) and RE Ifreke Okpokowurku (79 Overall) who as a RS Sophmore looks to continue the tradition of great play such as in that of his older brother Ayanga.
LB: The linebackers for the 2009 season will all be new starts. Marcus Jones (74 Overall) will move back to his natural position in 2009 and once again start for the Blue Devils. As many may recall Jones started at 12 games in 2007 for Duke coming away with 39 Tackles, 4 of which went for loss. On the other side will be RS Junior Derek Thornton (79 Overall) who will be seeing his first action as a Duke starter after spending his first two seasons on special teams. However the man with the biggest whole to fill will be Senior MLB Sam Poggi (83 Overall). Poggi is replacing one of the best Duke linebackers on that of Michael Tauiliili who had 93 tackles in 2008 and walked away with 2nd team All-American honors as a senior.
DB: With the loses of SS Adrian Darko and CB Jabari Marshall to graduation, the pressure of making sure big plays to not occur in the secondary will fall onto 3 year starter at CB Leon Wright (84 Overall). Wright in 2008 came away with just 27 tackles with 1 INT and 3 pass break ups. It will be key that he keeps his composer and shows that he is ready to lead as on the other side will be true freshman Patrick Rose (81 Overall) who has all the ability in the world and could be one of the best corner to come through Duke before its all said and done. Returning at FS will be Senior Phillip Lamela (85 Overall) who had the roll of replacing All-American Chris Davis in 2008. This season with less pressure should allow Lamela to play to his ability and make huge plays both in the run and pass defense. The new starter at SS will be yet another true freshman in that of Maine native John Motte (73 Overall).
Offense: B Defense: B- Overall: B
Conference Outlook:
Atlantic:
1. Boston College Ranked #26
2. Florida State Ranked #27
3. Clemson Ranked #31
4. NC State Ranked #45
5. Maryland Ranked #50
6. Wake Forest Ranked #51
Coastal:
1. Miami Ranked #12
2. Virginia Ranked #20
3. North Carolina Ranked #53
4. Georgia Tech Ranked #73
5. Virginia Tech Ranked #83
6. Duke Ranked #90
Duke Players All-ACC
1st Team: NONE
2st Team: NONE