With the 2015 season right around the corner, The Chronicle's football beat writers 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 2013, Duke’s defense surrendered 174.1 rushing yards per game and 4.3 yards per carry. A year later, the Blue Devils’ run defense struggled mightily, allowing 192.9 yards per game—the second-worst mark in the ACC. Despite losing a starting defensive tackle, Duke hopes that an increased emphasis on preventing the run can restore its defense to its 2013 form.
Key Players Lost: Jamal Bruce
Although his overall production dipped last year, Duke has lost an experienced leader and key contributor with the graduation of Jamal Bruce. In 48 career games, the LaGrange, Ga., native registered 68 tackles and seven and a half tackles for losses—five of which came a year ago. The Academic All-ACC selection also forced a key fumble in the Blue Devils upset victory at Georgia Tech.
Carlos Wray will now assume Bruce’s roles as a leader along the defensive line.
Cutcliffe on the Defensive Tackles:
“And then I think in the defensive line, in the interior -- we always play a lot of people there, but I think there’s some competition. I certainly think Carlos Wray is pretty solidified, A.J. has played a lot of football but what’s the rep situation look like for those young guys behind him.”
“If you look at our first six games, the ability to run the ball is really strong. Northwestern under Coach Fitzgerald’s been a good running team, and games four, five and six -- [Georgia] Tech, BC and Army. We’ll answer that question about how we feel about the front.”
Projected Starters:
Duke’s top returning defensive tackles from last year are senior Carlos Wray and redshirt junior A.J. Wolf. At 6-feet-2 and 290 pounds, Wray is Duke’s anchor upfront and most proven run stopper. The senior started all 13 games a season ago and has demonstrated his ability to seal gaps and rarely misses tackles. Wray’s current 22-game streak with at least one tackle highlights his consistency over the last two years.
Although Wolf also has played a pivotal role in recent years, he must prove that he can handle an increased workload as a starter. After recording 23 tackles last year, the Greenwich, Conn., native has impressed coaches with his improvement and was recently named one of ESPNs spring breakout performers.
Defensive tackles coach Clayton McGrath and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles will also rely on redshirt sophomore Mike Ramsay and redshirt junior Keilin Rayner to give Wolf and Wray occasional blows. Ramsay and Rayner can provide the Blue Devil front a huge lift if they can contribute more than their combined 10 tackles from a year ago.
Dark Horse:
The success of Duke’s defensive tackles may ultimately come down to the play of Quaven Ferguson and Edgar Cerenord. After redshirting as freshmen last season, Ferguson and Cerenord are expected to see significant playing time this year. Each standing over six feet tall, Ferguson and Cerenord are two of the Blue Devils’ most physically imposing defensive tackles. Both have also demonstrated the athleticism and strength necessary to be potential run stoppers inside.
Be sure to stay with the Blue Zone for our continuing 2015 position preview series. Check in tomorrow as we prove the most experienced unit of the Blue Devil defense—the secondary.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.