Although the Blue Devils return 14 starters this year, there are still new names to learn. We will break down each of the 10 major position groups: running backs, quarterbacks, offensive line, receivers, defensive ends, defensive tackles, linebackers, defensive backs, kicker/punter and punt/kickoff returners to prepare you for the regular season.
The spotlight has shone brightest on the quarterback position during the Cutcliffe era at Duke and this season should be no different. After helping lead an explosive Blue Devil offense that averaged 248.1 yards per game last season, Anthony Boone seems to have the starting position locked up, but will be without fellow quarterback Brandon Connette this season. Pinned the "phantom" by fans, coaches and experts, the departure of do-it-all Connette will open doors for a newcomer to complement Boone under center.
Key Players Lost:
The departure of Connette to Fresno State was a huge blow to the Duke offense, removing a red zone threat that is the all-time leader in rushing touchdowns among Blue Devil quarterbacks. Connette was also able to show off a potent arm a number of times last season, throwing for more than 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. Redshirt sophomore Thomas Sirk, who has yet to take a collegiate snap, will be asked to step into Connette's role as a short-yardage rushing quarterback. It will be hard to duplicate Connette's success under center, which will place more pressure on the Duke running backs.
Projected Starters:
Head coach David Cutcliffe has repeatedly told members of the media that he will utilize multiple quarterbacks this season, but with the departure of Connette, much of the spotlight will be on redshirt senior Anthony Boone. After sustaining a broken collarbone in the second game of the 2013 season, he bounced back in mid-October to start the remainder of the season. After returning, Boone struggled to exhibit consistency, which was a major reason why Connette was often called upon to spell Boone. Interceptions were a particular concern, as Boone threw seven in a two-game stretch last season. However, he finished the last five games with only four interceptions. With wide inexperience at quarterback in the ACC, Boone has the potential to separate himself from the pack and potentially hear his name called in the NFL Draft next April.
Without Connette on the roster, Boone will be asked to take total control of an offense that has all of the ingredients to be explosive as ever. We have seen glimpses of Boone's potential, including a 427 yard, three touchdown performance in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against Texas A&M. But he will need to cut down on his mistakes and fuel the offense through the air if the Blue Devils want to repeat as ACC Coastal Champions.
The Duke coaching staff is very high on Sirk and all indications are that he will see the field this fall. After sitting out 2013 with a ruptured achilles, he threw for 83 yards and added two rushing touchdown's in this year's Spring Game. Sirk will most likely see limited playing time early in the season, but if he has success as a short-yardage rushing quarterback, new offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery won't be hesitant to use him increasingly, especially in the red zone.
Dark Horse:
Redshirt freshman Parker Boehme has had a whole year to familiarize himself with the offense and coaches have praised his speed and mobility. Although it is unlikely he will see the field often, he does have the opportunity to make an impression in camp and could battle Sirk for the second-string position. David Cutcliffe used Sean Renfree, Brandon Connette and Anthony Boone in various scenarios back in 2012, so it is not out of the question for three quarterbacks to see meaningful playing time in 2014.
Redshirt Watch
Miami, Fla. native Nico Pierre is a highly-regarded four-star recruit who arrived in Durham this summer. Cutcliffe will redshirt Pierre this season, but he may be the program's best quarterback recruit this century and will hear his name called many times in future seasons.
Cutcliffe on QBs:
“One of the things that we saw a year ago was Anthony, on a run, break a collarbone. Now we’re not going to play in our fears. Anthony’s going to do what he has to do to win a game, he’s a good runner… One of the things I challenged him to do was work on his short space quickness this spring and summer, post-practice.”
“Towards the end of spring practice—I watched all of our scrimmages at the end of last week—I thought he was better than he had been since he’s been here in that regard.”
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