Classy move on the part of David Cutcliffe, who added four more seniors to Duke's list of captains Thursday. Not only does the head coach want Greg Akinbiyi, Cameron Goldberg, Eron Riley and Glenn Williams to be honored with the three other senior captains Saturday, but it's also his way of giving thanks on the day specifically designed to do just that.
Since the Blue Devils were officially eliminated from bowl contention Saturday, Cutcliffe has done everything in his power to graciously extol his group of seniors, which won two more games this season than it did in the previous three combined. This year's graduating class has been through a lot, but perhaps the cruelest part of their designation is the fact that they won't be able to fully reap the benefits of the turnaround they might have triggered. (Although after talking to a bunch of former players earlier this year, it's clear that they do have a stake in the team's success.)
"These four young men have exemplified throughout the season the qualities of leadership that we look for within our program," Cutcliffe said in a statement. "Their effort, selflessness and overall commitment to the values of our program have enabled us to take steps forward this year."
The four new captains join the four leaders--junior Vincent Rey, and seniors Re'quan Boyette (who will return with a redshirt next year), Tielor Robinson and Michael Tauiliili--who were elected by their teammates in August.
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