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Booth Review: Calhoun to Jackson Trick Play
5/2/2020 3:00:00 PM | Football
Duke football play-by-play announcer David Shumate is giving fans an inside look at some of his memorable football moments throughout his three years as the Voice of the Blue Devils. The events highlighted during this series are not meant to be a complete listing of all memorable accomplishments, but a sampling of great moments in Shumate's words.
"After hauling in more than 400 yards and four touchdowns during his rookie campaign, it is easy to forget that freshman wide receiver Jalon Calhoun spent a good chunk of his time at Southside High School in his hometown of Greenville, S.C., as the starting quarterback. In his final two season with the Tigers, Calhoun threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 25 TDs, while rushing for over 1,000 more with an additional 14 scores. This fact was never lost on David Cutcliffe though. He repeatedly reminded us in interviews, press conferences, and even off the record conversations that Calhoun was a gifted thrower and we were due to see that at some point during the 2019 season.
"No one envisioned it coming on the road in league play, let alone the ACC opener, at night, in Blacksburg. That likely had everything to do with why it worked.Â
"Leading 14-3 late in the second quarter, Duke was well within field goal range with less than a minute to play in the period. However, instead of playing it safe, the Blue Devils opted for a knockout punch, and that's exactly what Calhoun delivered. Redshirt senior quarterback Quentin Harris used a quick lateral pass to Calhoun on the left side of the line of scrimmage, which caught the Hokie defense off guard. They then tried to converge on the freshman, giving just enough time for junior running back Deon Jackson to slip out of the backfield. The Atlanta, Ga., native was all alone on the right side of the field and Calhoun showed the perfect touch as he found Jackson in stride to stretch the lead to 21-3 as the teams headed into halftime.
"Duke would continue to roll in the second half, securing a 45-10 win to open ACC play – the Blue Devils largest margin of victory in a conference road game in more than 30 years. The victory also handed the Hokies their largest league loss at home since 1950."
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#GoDuke
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"After hauling in more than 400 yards and four touchdowns during his rookie campaign, it is easy to forget that freshman wide receiver Jalon Calhoun spent a good chunk of his time at Southside High School in his hometown of Greenville, S.C., as the starting quarterback. In his final two season with the Tigers, Calhoun threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 25 TDs, while rushing for over 1,000 more with an additional 14 scores. This fact was never lost on David Cutcliffe though. He repeatedly reminded us in interviews, press conferences, and even off the record conversations that Calhoun was a gifted thrower and we were due to see that at some point during the 2019 season.
"No one envisioned it coming on the road in league play, let alone the ACC opener, at night, in Blacksburg. That likely had everything to do with why it worked.Â
"Leading 14-3 late in the second quarter, Duke was well within field goal range with less than a minute to play in the period. However, instead of playing it safe, the Blue Devils opted for a knockout punch, and that's exactly what Calhoun delivered. Redshirt senior quarterback Quentin Harris used a quick lateral pass to Calhoun on the left side of the line of scrimmage, which caught the Hokie defense off guard. They then tried to converge on the freshman, giving just enough time for junior running back Deon Jackson to slip out of the backfield. The Atlanta, Ga., native was all alone on the right side of the field and Calhoun showed the perfect touch as he found Jackson in stride to stretch the lead to 21-3 as the teams headed into halftime.
"Duke would continue to roll in the second half, securing a 45-10 win to open ACC play – the Blue Devils largest margin of victory in a conference road game in more than 30 years. The victory also handed the Hokies their largest league loss at home since 1950."
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#GoDuke
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Players Mentioned
Coach Diaz Postgame: NC State
Saturday, September 20
Wesley Williams Postgame: NC State
Saturday, September 20
Sahmir Hagans Postgame: NC State
Saturday, September 20
Tre Freeman Postgame: NC State
Saturday, September 20
