Head coach Carl Franks announced today at a press conference that the quarterback controversy between Adam Smith and Chris Dapolito has ended. However, he said that he will not disclose who the starter is in an effort to hinder East Carolina's pregame scouting report before the two squads face off this coming weekend at Wallace Wade Stadium.
"I had a pretty good idea," of who the starter would be all along, Franks said. "I just let it solidify itself in my mind."
Since the suspension of last year's starter D. Bryant, the battle for under center right between Dapolito and Smith has been intense, with each showing signs to justify their role as the starter. Franks mentioned that Dapolito had the better arm, a fact important to him.
Franks said he told his quarterbacks of his decision in order to allow the starter to prepare himself for the most mentally challenging position in the game.
He added that he planned on playing both quarterbacks, but did not disclose specifics, citing the unpredictably of the game.
Garrad virtually rewrote the Pirate record book, putting his name on 28 passing and total offense records. He was the 108th overall selection in the fourth round by the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars last spring.
Sophomore Paul Troth is set to succeed Garrad, and the Duke defense plans to make minimal adjustments to challenge his inexperience.
"What do you do against a quarterback who's never played before?," Franks said. "[Using] Conventional wisdom, you see if you can change up things. Show him one thing, then another; see if he can take care of the blitz."
The Blue Devil offense hit another snag last Wednesday when projected tight end starter Nick Brzezinski tore his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee. Franks was visibly upset by this unpleasant turn-of-events.
"We lost our best tight end," he said. "A good blocker and a good receiver, he was ready to have a tremendous year. He was the focal point of our offense much of the time, so it's tough losing him."
Brzezinski was a backup to All-ACC tight end Mike Hart the past two seasons. He caught 25 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns.
Andy Roland and Calen Powell will replace Brzezinski in the line-up. Franks said the starter may be determined by the formation in which the Blue Devils begin.
Duke seems eager to find out if their new assets, such as the new quarterback, the new offensive line coach and the move of Ryan Fowler to middle linebacker, will prove their worth.
"We got to go play in the games," Franks said. "Practice prepares you for it, but the games are different. We need to go out and throw the ball, and see if guys can catch it. I'm encouraged. I believe they can do it, but until they do it, there will be a question there."
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