Replacing one of the top passers in Duke history and the ACC’s all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards is no small task.
Sean Renfree and Conner Vernon are no longer the Blue Devils’ go-to combination in 2013 as both have graduated to pursue careers in the NFL. In hopes of replicating the duo’s success, Duke has shifted its offensive spotlight onto quarterback Anthony Boone and wide receiver Jamison Crowder, both of whom have made significant impacts during their collegiate careers but must adjust to becoming the focal points of the Blue Devil attack.
“It takes some work, just being able to handle all the claim and the fame that comes with [being the starting quarterback] and all the ups and downs that I might face,” Boone said.
The pair presents an explosive element to the program that it has not seen in the past, with big-play ability on every snap. The two spent the offseason working both on and off the field in an attempt to develop the timing that Renfree and Vernon were best known for.
Boone has attempted 148 passes in his career and has tucked it away 70 times. Although Boone has started just one game in his career, he also spent his time learning from Renfree in preparation for his eventual starting position. Along with backup quarterback Brandon Connette, the Blue Devils will have a more mobile presence in the pocket this season, which is not the only difference between Renfree and Boone, Crowder said.
“[Boone] is a little more energetic, especially on the field,” Crowder said. “Sean was more even keel. Boone showing emotion and having emotion is a good quality to have as quarterback.”
Crowder, on the other hand, has seen his fair share of playing time during the past two years. He saw action in every game as a freshman while reeling in just 14 receptions for 163 yards. Crowder broke out during his sophomore season, as his explosive ability on the edge made him the optimal second option behind Vernon.
Although Vernon received most of the attention during his senior season, Crowder quietly kept pace with his record-breaking counterpart, snagging in 76 passes—just nine fewer than Vernon. Crowder matched Vernon’s exact totals of 1,074 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, and actually surpassed Vernon by averaging 14.1 yards per catch.
This season, Crowder will take over as the main offensive threat to opposing defenses, forcing him to deal with the pressure of being Boone’s top option and the defense’s main target. This is a role that Boone expects his new top receiver to relish.
“I expect him to catch every ball I throw his way and to get open for me and be that guy that when I need to get out of trouble he knows what I want and can do that for me,” Boone said.
Crowder will now be looked upon for more than his production. The junior is now a veteran of the program and is expected to help the rest of the receiving corps—similar to the way that working with Vernon helped his game to develop.
“I also expect him to bring along the other receivers, feed them energy and get those guys going and make big plays,” Boone said.
The relationship between Boone and Crowder has not always been so close, but with the spotlight focused firmly on them, the pair used its free time in the offseason to grow as both players and friends.
“Me and Boone have come a long way,” Crowder said. “Both in the locker room and outside of the locker room. Off the field we have a great friendship.”
Duke was not the first time Boone and Crowder had run into one another on the football field. The two grew up within minutes of each other and went to opposing high schools in North Carolina, with Boone attending Weddington and Crowder attending Monroe. The former opponents now use this proximity to their advantage, as it provides the two with opportunities to strengthen their bond.
“Back home we live literally 10 minutes from each other,” Boone said. “We played high school [football] against each other. We go home for breaks and it’s easy to work out with him, run routes and just hang out.”
Coming off one of the best seasons it’s had in recent memory, the Blue Devils still are predicted by many to finish last in the ACC Coastal Division. But after Duke was also picked to finish at the bottom of the league last year and ended up making its first bowl game in 18 years. this does not bother the Blue Devils’ new primary playmakers.
“We say to each other every day, ‘We don’t play for anybody but ourselves and our fans and our university,’” Boone said. “So the fact that we get picked last doesn’t affect us. We’re still in the process of being a Cinderella story.”
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