Upcoming Event: Football at Tulane on September 13, 2025 at 8 p.m.
/
8 p.m.
Football
at Tulane
Blue Devil Rewind: Leon Wright With NCAA First
5/26/2020 5:00:00 PM | Football
This series will take an inside look at top moments in Duke football history and are not meant to be a complete listing of all memorable accomplishments, but a sampling of great moments as determined by the GoDuke.com staff.
Sixteen seconds. That's all it took for senior cornerback Leon Wright to call 'game over' against Army on Sept. 12, 2009, at historic Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y.
After watching the Black Knights jump out to an early 10-0 lead 17 minutes into the game, Duke responded with back-to-back touchdowns to take advantage with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter. Army would make things interesting with a 31-yard field goal with just under four minutes to play in the period to pull within 14-13 heading into the final frame.
Eight seconds into fourth quarter though, sophomore Donovan Varner pulled down a 31-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman Sean Renfree to extend the Blue Devils edge to 21-13.
The defenses then took over, forcing three punts and a failed fourth down conversion over the game's next four drives. With the clock winding down and the contest still a one score affair, Wright stepped into the passing lane on fourth down and intercepted Carson Williams at the Duke 49-yard line and returned it 51 yards for the touchdown.
The St. Petersburg, Fla., native wasn't finished for the day, however, as he recorded his interception return for a score on the Black Knights' first play of their ensuing drive. Wright returned this pick 33 yards into the end zone to ultimately put a stamp on Duke's win with just 1:32 remaining in the contest.
Wright became the first player in NCAA history to record interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive snaps from scrimmage. In addition, he became the first player in school history to register two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game. The last Duke player at that time with two interceptions in a single game was Adrian Aye-Darko against Miami in 2008 and the last player to return an interception for a touchdown was Jabari Marshall against Virginia that same year. Wright's 51-yarder was the 15th-longest interception return for a touchdown in Duke history, while his 33-yard effort increased the Blue Devil advantage to 35-13. Army accounted for the final margin of 35-19 with a touchdown on the game's final snap.
The Duke defense forced four turnovers overall on the day with the two interceptions along with two fumble recoveries. Ironically, Wright recorded one of those fumble recoveries as well to help the Blue Devil cause early in the second period.
---
FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW
Leon Wright (Duke Cornerback, 2006-09) – "That game was special in many ways. Just having the opportunity to play at Army West Point in Michie Stadium was unique itself. We had played at Navy before so we knew the energy would be high and the cadets would be rowdy! We also knew the challenge we had ahead of us facing their unique offense and toughness across the board. Also, this was only my second game back after coming off of a season ending injury the year before. So, I was just excited to be playing with my brothers again."
On becoming the first player in Duke history to return multiple interceptions for touchdowns:Â "It all happened so fast, but it was a special moment. Just the aspect of returning an interception for a touchdown as a defensive back makes you feel elite. I didn't know that it was a school nor a NCAA record until Coach Cutcliffe announced it I believe. But to know you're the first player to do anything in school or NCAA history is an honor and a blessing."
On the picks being just 16 seconds apart: "Definitely felt a lot longer than that. I guess I was in the right place at the right time."
On Duke's defensive presence in the game: "We understood the challenge ahead of us going into the game. We knew they were just as talented and had a complex offense to give us issues. Coach Mike MacIntyre put together a great game plan for us to execute. Only being up one point to start the fourth, we knew we had to play mistake free. Fortunately, some of the tendencies that Army gave us started to truly play itself out and we took advantage of them."
On the importance of that win: "That win was extremely important because it put us back on track to work toward bowl eligibility. After losing our opening game to a really good Richmond team, we needed to get some momentum going. Knowing we had a tough ACC conference schedule ahead of us, we couldn't afford to leave any more wins on the table."
David Cutcliffe (Duke Head Football Coach, 2012-pres.)* – "I always like coming from behind at halftime and winning a game, I don't care what the circumstance is. I told our team at halftime, 'this is why we play two halves, there is an opportunity ahead of you.' We didn't quickly take advantage of the opportunity, except for the kicking game and defensively, we got a really fast start. We just couldn't cash it in offensively. We came up with enough plays to win, but the reason we won was pretty consistent defense, winning kicking game, and timely play by our offense."
On the play of cornerback Leon Wright: "I said to Leon, 'did you really want to be the ACC Player of the Week that badly?' It couldn't happen to a finer young man, and he's a good football player. I've said it all along. He's such a fine cover-corner. He's a guy that can make plays, and plays, and plays – he does it every day in practice. We have a hard time shaking Leon. Army is not set up to be that kind of team. That's what you hope you can do, is to get a lead and play ahead."
Vincent Rey (Duke Linebacker, 2006-09)* – "I'm happy for him. He was able to break and make the play. It all started with the defensive line getting pressure and making the quarterback feel uncomfortable. The defensive line sets the tone. This game is the biggest sacrifice game for them because they have to do all the dirty work and keep the guys off the second level so we can make the tackles. And when Army was put in passing situations, they got up the field and were making plays. Those guys are the MVPs in my book."
*Excerpt taken from postgame quote sheet
#GoDuke
Sixteen seconds. That's all it took for senior cornerback Leon Wright to call 'game over' against Army on Sept. 12, 2009, at historic Michie Stadium in West Point, N.Y.
After watching the Black Knights jump out to an early 10-0 lead 17 minutes into the game, Duke responded with back-to-back touchdowns to take advantage with 7:44 remaining in the third quarter. Army would make things interesting with a 31-yard field goal with just under four minutes to play in the period to pull within 14-13 heading into the final frame.
Eight seconds into fourth quarter though, sophomore Donovan Varner pulled down a 31-yard touchdown pass from redshirt freshman Sean Renfree to extend the Blue Devils edge to 21-13.
The defenses then took over, forcing three punts and a failed fourth down conversion over the game's next four drives. With the clock winding down and the contest still a one score affair, Wright stepped into the passing lane on fourth down and intercepted Carson Williams at the Duke 49-yard line and returned it 51 yards for the touchdown.
The St. Petersburg, Fla., native wasn't finished for the day, however, as he recorded his interception return for a score on the Black Knights' first play of their ensuing drive. Wright returned this pick 33 yards into the end zone to ultimately put a stamp on Duke's win with just 1:32 remaining in the contest.
Wright became the first player in NCAA history to record interceptions for touchdowns on consecutive snaps from scrimmage. In addition, he became the first player in school history to register two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game. The last Duke player at that time with two interceptions in a single game was Adrian Aye-Darko against Miami in 2008 and the last player to return an interception for a touchdown was Jabari Marshall against Virginia that same year. Wright's 51-yarder was the 15th-longest interception return for a touchdown in Duke history, while his 33-yard effort increased the Blue Devil advantage to 35-13. Army accounted for the final margin of 35-19 with a touchdown on the game's final snap.
The Duke defense forced four turnovers overall on the day with the two interceptions along with two fumble recoveries. Ironically, Wright recorded one of those fumble recoveries as well to help the Blue Devil cause early in the second period.
---
FROM THEIR POINT OF VIEW
Leon Wright (Duke Cornerback, 2006-09) – "That game was special in many ways. Just having the opportunity to play at Army West Point in Michie Stadium was unique itself. We had played at Navy before so we knew the energy would be high and the cadets would be rowdy! We also knew the challenge we had ahead of us facing their unique offense and toughness across the board. Also, this was only my second game back after coming off of a season ending injury the year before. So, I was just excited to be playing with my brothers again."
On becoming the first player in Duke history to return multiple interceptions for touchdowns:Â "It all happened so fast, but it was a special moment. Just the aspect of returning an interception for a touchdown as a defensive back makes you feel elite. I didn't know that it was a school nor a NCAA record until Coach Cutcliffe announced it I believe. But to know you're the first player to do anything in school or NCAA history is an honor and a blessing."
On the picks being just 16 seconds apart: "Definitely felt a lot longer than that. I guess I was in the right place at the right time."
On Duke's defensive presence in the game: "We understood the challenge ahead of us going into the game. We knew they were just as talented and had a complex offense to give us issues. Coach Mike MacIntyre put together a great game plan for us to execute. Only being up one point to start the fourth, we knew we had to play mistake free. Fortunately, some of the tendencies that Army gave us started to truly play itself out and we took advantage of them."
On the importance of that win: "That win was extremely important because it put us back on track to work toward bowl eligibility. After losing our opening game to a really good Richmond team, we needed to get some momentum going. Knowing we had a tough ACC conference schedule ahead of us, we couldn't afford to leave any more wins on the table."
David Cutcliffe (Duke Head Football Coach, 2012-pres.)* – "I always like coming from behind at halftime and winning a game, I don't care what the circumstance is. I told our team at halftime, 'this is why we play two halves, there is an opportunity ahead of you.' We didn't quickly take advantage of the opportunity, except for the kicking game and defensively, we got a really fast start. We just couldn't cash it in offensively. We came up with enough plays to win, but the reason we won was pretty consistent defense, winning kicking game, and timely play by our offense."
On the play of cornerback Leon Wright: "I said to Leon, 'did you really want to be the ACC Player of the Week that badly?' It couldn't happen to a finer young man, and he's a good football player. I've said it all along. He's such a fine cover-corner. He's a guy that can make plays, and plays, and plays – he does it every day in practice. We have a hard time shaking Leon. Army is not set up to be that kind of team. That's what you hope you can do, is to get a lead and play ahead."
Vincent Rey (Duke Linebacker, 2006-09)* – "I'm happy for him. He was able to break and make the play. It all started with the defensive line getting pressure and making the quarterback feel uncomfortable. The defensive line sets the tone. This game is the biggest sacrifice game for them because they have to do all the dirty work and keep the guys off the second level so we can make the tackles. And when Army was put in passing situations, they got up the field and were making plays. Those guys are the MVPs in my book."
*Excerpt taken from postgame quote sheet
#GoDuke
Coach Diaz Media Availability: Tulane
Wednesday, September 10
Darian Mensah Media Availability: Tulane
Tuesday, September 09
Josiah Green Media Availability: Tulane
Tuesday, September 09
Coach Patke Press Conference: Tulane
Monday, September 08
