VINCE OGHOBAASE - Five Stars
DT • 6’6” • 325 LBS
As Duke’s first five-star commitment in decades, Oghobaase is figuratively and literally one of the biggest incoming freshmen in Blue Devil history. A physical, run-stuffing defensive tackle, Oghobaase is already as big as many NFL tackles and enters Duke with all the physical tools necessary to wreak havoc on ACC running games. Although it remains to be seen if he can live up to his mammoth expectations, Oghobaase figures to start immediately on a defensive line ravaged by injuries last season.
JOE SURGAN - Four Stars
K • 6’4” • 210 LBS
Surgan reportedly spurned Florida and Auburn for the opportunity to kick at Duke, and with senior Matt Brooks graduating, he will likely be rewarded with the starting job. One of the nation’s top placekickers, Surgan possesses a powerful leg that can be counted on to connect on field goal attempts. Surgan also helps special teams by putting the majority of his kickoffs in the end zone for touchbacks.
JOE SUDER - Two Stars
DT • 6’6” • 340 LBS
Whether Suder will play on the offensive or defensive line has not yet been decided, but it’s almost certain that Duke fans will see his 6-foot-6, 340 pound frame lining up this season. Nicknamed “Sasquatch” in high school, Suder has the mobility to play on an inexperienced Duke offensive line hit hard by graduation, and the massive frame necessary to command double teams on the defensive line. Along with Oghobaase, Suder could give Duke one of the better defensive tackle tandems in the ACC this season, but he must demonstrate he is completely healed from a high school knee injury, which required surgery.
MARCUS JONES - Three Stars
QB/ATH • 6’3” • 210 LBS
Jones could be the second coming of Kordell Stewart—in high school he played safety, outside linebacker, quarterback, wide receiver and even punted. Although he won’t see time at all those positions at Duke, he could challenge Mike Schneider at quarterback, where his dual running and throwing abilities could turn him into the Blue Devils’ version of Texas quarterback Vince Young. Alternatively, Jones could spend time as a wide receiver, where his 6-foot-3 frame and superior body control could make him an imposing red zone target.
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