Duke Football: Spring Practice

3/24/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football

By: Duke Sports Information

Duke head coach Ted Roof welcomes 40 lettermen and 13 starters back from a year ago, and the Blue Devils begin spring drills with a couple of simple goals.

“The first goal is getting our players to learn the tools of the trade and then executing when it is required,” Roof said. “The second thing we'd like to get done this spring is continue to build the team. Whether you call it unity, chemistry or trust, all those are elements we need to build on because you don't just click your fingers and they happen.

“Also, I want our players to enjoy competing,” Roof continued. “I want them to have fun practicing the game of football. There are a lot of jobs that are open, and the best way to go about it is to put your head down and compete. We need to not worry about anything, do the job and have some fun and things will take care of themselves.”

On offense, four starters return but Duke must revamp a youthful line that lost four starting members. Along with starting quarterback Zack Asack, the Blue Devils bring back their top three rushers and nine of the top 12 receivers from the 2005 season.

“Offensively, we need to look at how we can get the ball in the hands of our playmakers,” said Roof. “It is a process. I think there is enough flexibility within our system to be able to do that.”

The Duke defense has seven returning starters including three linemen and three defensive backs. Six of the team's top eight tacklers are back from a season ago with all-conference pick John Talley and defensive line veterans Casey Camero and Eli Nichols headlining the unit.

“On defense, the number one objective in the off-season was to enhance our system to stop the run,” noted Roof. “Building on that, we want to have a multiple system that takes advantage of the intelligent players in our program.”

The Blue Devils will open spring drills on Saturday, March 25 with the first of 15 scheduled workouts. A session-ending Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 22, and Duke opens the 2006 season at home versus Richmond on Saturday, September 2, at 6 p.m.

QUARTERBACK
With only two scholarship quarterbacks - Asack and Marcus Jones - on the spring roster, both sophomores will receive plenty of repetitions as they continue to feel more comfortable with the offensive system.

“We'll divide the reps up this spring, and obviously Zack has an edge when it comes to experience,” Roof noted. “I thought Zack got better as the year went along, and I was really impressed with how he handled everything. He handled the highs and lows extremely well, and I think he has some real positive leadership capabilities.”

Asack, who started six of the final seven games under center as a true freshman in 2005, returns after completing 90-of-180 (.500) passes for 966 yards and five touchdowns last fall. He finished 10th in the ACC in both passing yards per game and total offense and was named Honorable Mention Freshman All-America by The Sporting News for his efforts.

In week five against Navy, he became the first true freshman to start under center for the Blue Devils since Steve Slayden earned the nod against Army on September 29, 1984. Asack showed progress during the course of the season, and posted his top day against Clemson in week 10 by hitting on 26-of-43 throws for 328 yards and one touchdown - a 66-yard strike to Eron Riley.

With his 966 yards through the air for the season, Asack became just the third true freshman in Blue Devil gridiron history to pace the team in passing yards, joining Slayden (1,229 in 1984) and Ben Bennett (2,050 in 1980).

In Jones, Duke has an exceptional athlete who played both quarterback and wide receiver during his rookie campaign. At wideout, he started five contests and finished the year with 11 receptions for 90 yards and one touchdown. The Blue Devil coaching staff will look for Jones' play-making abilities to improve with one season of college football under his belt.

“We've moved Marcus to quarterback full-time,” said Roof. “The competition there will just make both of them better. Zack and Marcus both have had a great off-season. We're ahead of where we were at the end of last season, but we needed to be.

Walk-ons Kevin Cronin and Steve Lattanzio round out the position group.

RUNNING BACK
The Duke backfield is led by a trio of running backs that each boast a spot in school history. Juniors Justin Boyle (83 yards vs. The Citadel; t2nd) and Ronnie Drummer (81 yards vs. Miami; 6th) along with sophomore Re'quan Boyette (78 yards vs. Florida State; t10th) all hold one of the top 10 rushes from scrimmage in Blue Devil gridiron history.

“We've got several quality players at the running back position, and you can never have enough depth in this league because it is so physical,” Roof said.

Boyle is the returning starter after leading the team in rushing last year with 458 yards. In addition, his nine rushing touchdowns was the fourth highest total in the ACC and marked the most by a Duke back since Laymarr Marshall's 13 scores on the ground in 1995.

“Justin has had a good, productive career so far, and he's only going to get better,” Roof said. “He's such a good power runner, but the thing I want him to be able to do is make a defender miss in the open field. He likes contact so much he likes to put his shoulder pad down and run through people, but if he can make one guy miss he can hit a home run, and we saw in his freshman year he has that ability.”

Drummer averaged an impressive 10.2 yards per carry in 2005 and consistently showed his big play prowess that included a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against East Carolina and a three-game stretch versus Miami, Georgia Tech and Florida State when he rushed 14 times for 248 yards with the 81-yard TD against the Hurricanes and dashes of 50+ yards in the other two tilts.

“We've got to find ways to get Ronnie the ball,” Roof commented. “Ronnie has really committed himself to the weight room this year, and I think that will help his durability.”

Not to be outdone by his older teammates, Boyette finished third on the club with his 252 yards and posted a 10-carry, 123-yard outing against Florida State.

“Re'quan had a good freshman year,” Roof said. “He's another one that can hit a home run, but also can get that hard yard for you.”

Providing depth will be junior Aaron Fryer and sophomore Clifford Harris (75 rushing yards in 2005).

At fullback, Tielor Robinson, who transferred to Duke following two seasons at Army, is eligible after sitting out the 2005 campaign. He is joined by two-year letterman B.J. Smith, redshirt freshman Peter Shaheen and walk-ons Segun Akande and Beau Tooley.

“I'm looking forward to seeing what these guys can do this spring,” Roof said. “That is the thing about competition within a position, it makes everyone better. When your turn comes, you better produce and they'll all get turns this spring.”

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT END
Five lettermen return at wide receiver with senior Deon Adams, junior Jomar Wright and sophomore Eron Riley headlining the group.

Adams has battled through nagging injuries throughout his career to play in 27 games with six starting assignments. Last year, he caught 10 passes for 100 yards including a career-best four for 48 yards against Navy. After averaging 17.9 yards per reception on 18 catches as a true freshman in 2004, Wright was blossoming into one of Duke's top targets last fall when he suffered a season-ending leg injury in week five. He enters his junior season with 26 career grabs for 478 yards - good for a per reception average of 18.4 yards.

“I'm looking for Deon to provide us some leadership,” said Roof. “He's had some ups and downs during his time here, but I feel as if he could have a really good senior season. Also, it'll be great to get Jomar back so he can get his timing back. We'll have him out there to reestablish a rhythm with the quarterbacks.”

Riley burst onto the scene midway through the 2005 season, and his first touch of the football came on a two-point conversion toss from Asack against Navy. One week later, he hauled in a 38-yard strike and, in week nine against Wake Forest, collected two catches for 56 yards with a 19-yard touchdown. It was against Clemson, however, that the 6-4 receiver displayed his potential by catching four balls for 130 yards with a 66-yard scoring route. His season totals included 11 catches for 247 yards and two scores.

“In Eron Riley, we've got a guy that can make plays,” Roof stated. “He's a big target and he competes for the football in the air.”

Sophomores Raphael Chestnut, Kris Stubbs and Ryan Wood along with redshirt freshman Marvin Marcelin will compete for playing time.

Nick Stefanow is the lone returning letterman at tight end, and the rising junior caught three passes for 20 yards in 2005 while seeing action in all 11 games. Norman Gee, who redshirted last fall, accompanies Stefanow along with walk-on Michael Cooper.

OFFENSIVE LINE
With only one returning starter - junior center Matt Rumsey - the Blue Devils will assemble a youthful offensive line in 2006. The entire unit has just 12 total starting assignments with Rumsey securing 11 last fall and tackle Cameron Goldberg receiving a nod in the 2005 season finale at North Carolina.

“For the third straight year, we'll have to retool this group,” said Roof.

Rumsey's steady play earned him spot action as a true freshman in 2004 and the starting slot a year ago. He will be called upon for leadership in 2006.

“Matt has been awfully consistent for us, and he'll be the glue that keeps this pack together,” Roof said.

Junior Garrett Mason, who has seen action on both lines during his tenure, is charted as the top reserve with walk-on Justin Freeman in the mix.

At left tackle, Goldberg, a Freshman All-ACC choice in 2005, is the scheduled starter, backed up by redshirt freshman Ben Loebner.

“Cameron picked up some good experience last year in his first year playing, and he's had a good off-season,” Roof said. “He played better down the stretch and had his best game against North Carolina.”

On the opposite side, sophomore Fred Roland, who played in all 11 games as a reserve last year, is penciled in as the starter with converted defensive lineman Christopher Moore behind him.

Junior Zach Maurides enters the spring as the top candidate at left guard and will be pushed by senior Danny Bowling. At right guard, sophomore Rob Schirmann is the leader with depth provided by redshirt freshman Joe Suder.

DEFENSIVE LINE
A pair of seniors - Camero and Nichols - highlight Duke's defensive front.

“You have to appreciate those guys that grind it out every day along the line,” Roof said. “Casey and Eli have been through the battles, and you want to see them finish their careers on a high note. From a depth standpoint, this should be the best group those two have been associated with. We'll need to be smart with the lineman during spring practice. We want to work hard and get better, but be smart with what we're doing.”

Camero, a starter in 25 career contests through three seasons, is a proven veteran in the trenches with over 1,500 defensive snaps under his belt. Entering his final campaign with 101 tackles including nine for loss, he will be asked to provide leadership for a unit that boasts just two seniors and one junior. Joining Camero at tackle is redshirt freshman Kinney Rucker.

Nichols, a 2005 Second Team Academic All-America selection, returns for his fifth season of eligibility after posting 48 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks in 2005. One of the hardest workers on and off the gridiron and a very consistent performer, Nichols, Duke's active leader with six career sacks, gives the Blue Devils some versatility with his ability to play multiple positions along the line. Two redshirt freshmen - Ayanga Okpokowuruk and Ryan Radloff - will compete for playing time.

At nose guard, sophomore Clifford Respress and redshirt freshman Vince Oghobaase will look to stabilize the interior of the line. Respress played in 10 games as a true freshman last fall and finished with 18 tackles. He played his best football late in the season, recording five tackles in each of the last two games while his first career sack came in week 10 at Clemson.

“When you play a lot as a true freshman like Clifford did, the game tends to slow down during your second year,” said Roof. “From a competition standpoint, Kinney, Ayanga, Ryan and Vince will have to experience that aspect of it but I think we've got a very bright future with them.

“Getting Ayanga, Ryan and Vince back healthy is key,” Roof continued. “That is a very talented group there, and I look forward to working with them this spring after not having them available last season.”

Junior Patrick Bailey, who started the first eight games of last year at linebacker before suffering a season-ending injury, returns to the line where he spent his rookie season. After picking up 25 total stops in spot action in 2004, his eight-game total of 52 tackles in 2005 managed to rank fourth on the squad.

“Patrick has had experience with his hand on the ground as a freshman and last year he was a stand up guy for us,” commented Roof. “I think he understands concepts, and because of that we can do a lot of things with him. You know what you are always going to get from Pat Bailey. You're always going to get his best, and you couldn't ask for more from an individual.”

Bailey will be backed up by sophomore Greg Akinbiyi and redshirt freshman Paul Thornton.

LINEBACKER
The movement of Bailey to the defensive line and graduation of four-year starter Brendan Dewan leaves vacancies for two slots while Michael Tauiliili (formally Brown) returns in the middle after producing a team-leading 92 tackles in 2005.

At one outside slot, senior Codey Lowe takes the reigns after playing inside a season ago. Injuries limited Lowe to see action in just four games in 2005 but he is expected at full speed this spring. Sophomores Charles Robinson and Tim Ball, who switches over from running back, along with walk-on Travis Nelson provide depth.

“I expect we'll get some good work out of that group with Codey, Charles and Tim,” Roof said. “Codey has kept working and grinding it out and I think he'll have a good year for us. I'm anxious to see Tim Ball come over from offense and throw his hat in the ring.”

Senior Jeramy Edwards, who started the final three games of 2005 following Bailey's injury, is the scheduled starter opposite Lowe. A former safety, Edwards recorded 47 total tackles last year and concluded the season on a positive note with 12 stops including a sack in the season finale at North Carolina. Junior Brandon Tapps and senior Alex Williams will battle for playing time.

“Jeramy finished off the year playing well for us,” noted Roof. “Brandon and Alex have gained some strength that they both needed, so we'll see what they can do at linebacker in addition to their roles on our special teams units.”

Tauiliili made the most of his opportunity as a rookie, leading all freshman linebackers in tackles with his total of 92. He garnered First Team Freshman All-America honors as well as ACC Freshman Defensive Player of the Year accolades from The Sporting News. A starter in the final 10 contests of the year, Tauiliili added 10 tackles for loss, three caused fumbles and four double figure tackle games to his credit.

“We have Michael back at the middle position, and he had a really good freshman season,” Roof said. “Mike has a lot of work to do and a lot he can improve on, and I don't think he's rested on any individual awards he received. If anything, that has just fueled the fire and added extra motivation for him to develop and help our football team. As far as his understanding of the game, that needs to improve. He has certainly worked on that during the off-season, and that will help him become a more consistent football player.”

Junior Zach Smith (11 tackles in 2005) and sophomore Charles Williams (6 tackles in 2005) are charted behind Tauiliili.

DEFENSIVE BACKS
All-America candidate John Talley leads three returning starters in the defensive secondary. Now a senior, Talley is the NCAA's active leader with 11 career interceptions (tied with Utah's Eric Weddle) and the lone returning First Team All-ACC defensive back in the league.

One of the top cornerbacks in the nation, Talley enters his final season with 141 tackles while ranking fifth in school history with 11 interceptions, sixth with 25 pass breakups and second with 245 interception return yards. The two-time All-ACC selection earned Duke team MVP hon in 2005 after registering 50 tackles, a league-best five interceptions and eight PBUs. After undergoing shoulder surgery in the off-season, Talley will not participate in contact drills during spring practice.

Senior cornerback Deonto McCormick and junior free safety Chris Davis also return after starting every game in 2005. McCormick racked up 41 tackles and four pass breakups as a junior. Also at corner, sophomore Jabari Marshall returns to the program and is expected to have an impact while sophomores Evalio Harrell and Rodney Ezzard will compete for action. Walk-ons Simon Cheng and Patrick Chidnese complete the group.

“I feel good about both of our corners coming back in John Talley and Deonto McCormick,” said Roof. “With John sitting out this spring, the other guys will have plenty of chances to prove what they can do. It is time for them to assume more of a role within the team.”

Last season, Davis, also one of the top return men in the ACC, chipped in 46 stops and two interceptions in his first season as a starter. Behind Davis is sophomore Adrian Aye-Darko and senior Chris Rising.

“Chris has done a lot of good things for our football team,” said Roof. “I anticipate a lot of growth from his sophomore year to his junior year. I think he'll be a much better football player this year. He was a high school running back who moved to safety, and every year is a learning experience for him. I think he feels comfortable in the position now.”

Sophomore Andreas Platt, who carded 15 tackles last year, enters the spring as the starter at strong safety, and he will be pushed by converted cornerback Glenn Williams, who logged 21 tackles as a true freshman in 2005.

“It is time for Andreas to assert himself.” Roof said. “We feel Glenn Williams has a bright future and we're looking forward to seeing him in a different position this spring.”

SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Joe Surgan and long snapper Casey Hales are back from a year ago, but Duke will have to replace punter Chris Sprague, who averaged 41.4 yards per boot with 20 kicks downed inside the 20 yard line compared to just one touchback.

Surgan, Duke's starting placekicker as a true freshman in 2005, made six-of-eight field goal attempts and 15-of-16 PATs en route to finishing second on the team with 33 total points. He displayed both leg strength and solid accuracy by connecting on four-of-five field goals between 40 and 49 yards out.

“I feel really good about Joe Surgan coming back,” commented Roof. “He had a very solid freshman season. I think he is going to continue to get better and better. I'm anxious to see his development from the end of last year until now.”

Other returnees include seniors Randy DeSmyter (1-of-2 FGs in 2005) and Greg Meyers along with sophomore Bryan Reisch while Alex Feinberg returns to the program following a one-season absence. Feinberg could emerge as a candidate for the punting duties as well.

Hales is set to handle the snapping chores for the third consecutive year.

“Casey does a nice job snapping the football,” Roof said. “We'll work on some of the other elements of his job this spring. We have the rare distinction where no one on the team has ever punted before. With field position being such a critical part of the game that is an area where we'll need to develop and bring along quickly.”