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.
In the past, Duke has thrived using a running back by committee approach to the ground game and it has paid off for the Blue Devils balanced offensive attack. Last season, the Blue Devils made use of four backs throughout the year and ranked fifth in the ACC with 178 rushing yards per game. Although some of the names you may have gotten to know last year are now gone, Duke’s backfield is in capable hands and will look to build on last season’s success under new offensive coordinator Scottie Montgomery.
Key players lost:
Jela Duncan and Juwan Thompson will be two of more sorely missed Blue Devils when the season finally arrives. Duncan is finishing the second half of his yearlong suspension dealt out last December while Thompson is currently with the Denver Broncos at training camp. The pair made up 46 percent of the group’s production last season and will shift the load onto the shoulders of the remaining backfield to make up for the lost production.
Projected Starters:
Shaquille Powell has been listed as the top back in Duke’s preseason depth chart released at the end of July. Although that is prior to Monday’s first practice, the Blue Devil coaching staff has been talking up Powell all summer and the junior will look to improve on his 2013-14 campaign, as he rushed for 344 yards and a pair of scores on 62 carries while sharing the load with Duncan, Snead and Thompson.
Senior Josh Snead, the team’s leading rusher in last season’s historic campaign, will join Powell in the backfield this year. The Smithfield, N.C. native rushed for 651 yards and a pair of scores last year, including a 104-yard, one touchdown performance against Texas A&M in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Snead will not only be the leader of the backfield, but will also be one of the senior captains.
Dark Horses:
Redshirt freshman Joseph Ajeigbe is poised to be this season’s dark horse in the backfield. After sitting out his freshman season and serving as the top back on the scout team, Ajeibe will compete for playing time this year behind Powell and Snead. Although the 5-foot-9 Riverside, Ca. native may not be your prototypical big back, his 210-pound frame and speed will allow him the opportunity to make some break out plays early on in the season that may earn him some more field time down the line.
Shaun Wilson will be another name to keep in mind, as the four-star recruit out of Charlotte has the blessing of head coach David Cutcliffe, who said the true freshman will see time on the field this season. Although he's never taken a college snap, his senior year high school highlight tape puts Wilson's top-tier cuts and quickness on display.
Coach Cut on the backfield:
"Going into this thing I see that Shaq and Josh are going to share the yeoman's load. It's going to be a little different team in that regard. I certainly expect Joe Ajeibe and Shaun Wilson to pitch in. I think Shaun's one of those guys that's going to play as a true freshman."
"I like our guys. I went back and watched our scrimmages and I'm going to tell you, Shaq and Snead looked outstanding this spring. They're right now both faster and stronger this time of year."
Check back in with us tomorrow for our preview of Anthony Boone and the Blue Devil quarterbacks.
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