Duke Football Camp was a success
The Duke Football coaches held the first session of their annual camp this past Saturday. Participants came from all over the country and there were some obvious changes in the way the new Blue Devil coaching staff ran the ship. Pardon the pun, ran the ship, for these kids truly ran on a typically hot day in June.
Much like the team's spring football drills, work ethic and hustle were the keywords. There was no loafing tolerated between stations and if a participant did drag butt, a coach would give him a scream to insure them that this was not accepted. In short, it was a test of endurance where the Duke Football staff could see how players performed with little time to think of the last play they made.
He's cramping ... out of gas or pushing came out of the mouths of concerned parents as the final drills were performed. Their concern was that Duke would remember their son as they tired during this audition of sorts. Some of these kids will take a lesson home with them, one being to get into better shape to make it to the highest level of college football.
Careful attention surrounded each drill. Unlike last season, a participant would often run the drill until he got it right or would be instructed on his faults and lauded for their attentiveness and or proper execution. Linebackers were taught to keep their hips open, offensive lineman how to drive their opponent, quarterbacks how to square up and look off wide outs, etc.
Before the session began you could hear a bellowing yell come from the tunnel saying, "Are you ready for some football?" Coach Cutcliffe would then scour the turf at Wallace Wade Stadium and the practice field watching over his talented staff like a CEO would a corporation. Much like practices, there was a sense of organization, direction and a clear plan on what was expected.
One clear sign of Cutcliffe's shadow were the numbers attending the camp. That number doubled from last season and keep in mind that there is one session left this coming Saturday. "We built a relationship with Coach Cutcliffe when he was at Tennessee," said one coach who had four players there. He continued, "Some of my guys are being recruited by the nation's heavyweights, but they all like Duke."
Almost every prospect that I talked to mentioned the opportunity for a great education. While schools like Michigan and Auburn might talk a good game, they cannot necessarily offer the opportunity to play and they will often recruit over a player more than one time. Some of these kids will learn that the hard way, while others will be made aware of this by coaches, mentors or family.
Duke took the opportunity to make them aware that this is now a football school as well as a basketball school. They were made aware of the changes in store and those who attended last year saw the obvious changes first hand. The participants toured a bit of campus after their lunch, one saying, "You can feel the urgency and know that they will compete right away under Coach Cutt."
"We are going to sign five lineman, but they're going to be special," said Coach Luke to the participants. Coach Middleton said it in a more intimidating way. Ex Duke football star and NFL player, Scottie Montgomery was certainly active too, not afraid to tell a prospect that he was messing up his field. The fact is that in a few brief conversations with parents, every coach was mentioned for their relationship in the recruiting process.
One of the most mentioned topics by the attendees was the opportunity for a top notch education at Duke. Not all of these kids will make it to the NFL, many realizing or entertaining the thought of what a Duke education means. They were also encouraged by Coach Cutcliffe to apply themselves in the classroom or that his program couldn't touch them.
As the day ended, several prospects talked to the Duke staff. Many came away impressed. "I can tell you right now, that I came away a better player after attending this camp," said an unidentified youngster. When asked if Duke had interest he stated, "They've been talking to me but haven't offered yet, but hopefully they will," His Dad then mentioned that Wake Forest and Virginia were in the mix, but that if the Blue Devils offered they would be the leader.
Sidebar - Coach Cutcliffe recently sold 20 plus season tickets in Knoxville, Tennessee. The owners of the tickets will bus down for the opener and when they can't make it, their tickets will go to local kids. The field was as bad as I have ever seen it. While no attendees mentioned it, I couldn't help but wonder why the University doesn't step up to the plate and fix the situation. If there is a commitment to football and you want to have a shot at big time recruits, you sure as heck have to present a field that looks as if it's cared for. Hopefully, this problem will be resolved sooner rather than later. Season ticket sales are way ahead of last year. It is bound to be an interesting and exciting year in Wallace Wade. I know I'll be there and hope you are too. Lastly, check back in for the Blue Devil Nation will amp up our football recruiting coverage. We are working on the interviews and they will be presented in our free section for the foreseeable future. Our mission is to cast the light on an up and coming program. I heard not one complaint other than a little whining about how hard the staff worked the players. As Coach David Cutcliffe said, "Are
you ready for some football?" Get your season tickets
here.
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