Fowler Leads Duke's Linebackers; Looks To Cap Off Stellar Career In Style - Duke University

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Aug. 26, 2003

DURHAM, N.C. - Much to the delight of opposing ACC teams, Duke's Ryan Fowler is finally a senior. Since earning a starting spot midway through his freshman season in 2000, Fowler has provided the Blue Devil defense with an intense driving force from his linebacker position.

"Ryan is as solid as they come in this league," said one ACC offensive coordinator during last month's ACC Kickoff in Greensboro, Ga. "He plays hard every down and is the leader of their defense."

Fowler, a two-year team captain of the Blue Devils, enters his final campaign within reach of several Duke career records including tackles, tackles for loss and quarterback sacks. In addition, the Redington Shores, Fla., native could become the first player in ACC history to lead his team in tackles for four consecutive seasons. On Duke's career charts, Fowler ranks seventh in tackles (359), tied for sixth in sacks (12) and fourth in tackles for loss (35). He is also the league's active leader in tackles and double figure tackle games (19).

An honorable mention All-ACC pick in 2002, Fowler paced last year's Duke team in tackles with 145 -- the sixth highest single-season total in Blue Devil history. He added 15 tackles for loss, two sacks and four pass breakups to aid the Duke defense. Fowler is optimistic and ready for the upcoming season.

"The wins were just an inch or two away last season," Fowler said. "We've got a strong foundation to build on and I think we are going to be a team to contend with this year."

Behind Fowler on the depth chart at middle linebacker are sophomore Malcolm Ruff and junior J.T. Cape. Ruff, a converted tailback, showed the coaches his abilities during spring practice while Cape is a veteran having played in 21 career games.

At one outside slot, junior Giuseppe Aguanno and sophomore DeAndre White will compete for the starting position, but both players should see considerable action. Aguanno is coming off a sophomore campaign which saw the fundamentally sound linebacker produce 52 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and three sacks while playing 347 snaps. White, who switched from the secondary to outside linebacker after arriving at Duke last summer, was solid as a rookie while registering 33 total tackles.

Sophomore Brendan Dewan returns as a starter at the other outside position. Dewan had an instant impact as a redshirt freshman last year despite missing four games with a foot injury. He helped Duke win the season opener against East Carolina with 12 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown, and finished the year with 59 total stops.

Incoming freshmen Corey Sobel and Alex Williams will offer depth. A Potomac, Md., native, Sobel was a two-time all-state pick at DeMatha Catholic High School while Williams, who hails from Dublin, Ga., picked up 123 tackles and three interceptions during his senior season at West Laurens High School.