UCONN has named Tyler Lorenzen as their starting Quarterback for the season opener against Duke.  Lorenzen is 6'5" 226 lb and from Fremont, Iowa.  He is a Junior College transfer who played at Palomar College in San Marcos, CA.  Last season he completed 229 of 332 pass attempts (69%) for 2,960 yards and 26 touchdowns.  He also rushed for 836 yards on 134 carries. 

Coach K -

- What's the feeling as you prepare to open training camp?

We're real excited, and we appreciate the contributions of the Select Team. With those guys coming in for a week, basically one of the things we are trying to do is develop a program where everybody feels they are a part of this program. If you're an American player, you should feel like you're a part of USA Basketball. That certainly hasn't been the case for a very long time, and I'm not sure if that's ever been the case. That's what we are trying to get across and this select team is a big step towards that.

- Do you see any parallels between this group and the 1992 Select Team?

I think this team will help us even more. With that (1992) team, Chuck Daly orchestrated some things to make them help us–he's a pretty smart guy. But these guys are men. Those guys were really good, but they were still young. This group more closely approximates what we are going to see in competition.

- How difficult will it be to trim the Senior National roster from 14 players to 12?

The selection process will be difficult because whomever you do not select still deserves to be on this team. We wouldn't have a guy on the Senior National Team roster if he didn't deserve to be on the team, however, you can only pick twelve. Some of the selection process will depend on what kind of shape they're in; some of it will depend on combinations. Maybe somebody fits a little bit better right now than they would next year, but it's not a done deal. If a guy is not selected (for the 2007 USA team), it doesn't mean he's eliminated. We're happy to have a good, tough process. That means we have a lot of people who are making the sacrifices to come here. It's a great thing, really.

I hope you have enjoyed the numerous photos from Duke Football Practices.  You can continue these as a Blue Devil Nation Premium Newsletter member.  Our members have access to a photo gallery from yesterdays scrimmage game and get the skinny on what to expect this season.  While coverage will continue here, the best of it is in the subscription area.  If you would like to join, the paypal links are to your right.  Thanks for supporting the Blue Devil Nation.

     

The Charlotte Observer on Duke's players not being caught up in the numbers of the losing streak.

The News and Observer has a nice article up on Duke QB Thad Lewis. Coach Ted Roof states, "He's more poised because he's more confident."