The biggest news surrounding Duke's football program this week concerned a player who never strapped the pads on for the Blue Devils. But on Saturday, Duke might be able to divert the attention to the gridiron when it hosts its annual Spring Game at 1 p.m. in Wallace Wade Stadium.
For head coach David Cutcliffe, the game between a Blue and White team marks not only the culmination of spring workouts, but also the beginning of his second season at the reigns of the program. His inaugural season ended with a five-game losing skid and a 4-8 record, but Cutcliffe was successful at permeating a traditionally losing program with a winning mentality.
"We had to teach people how we expect them to practice," said Cutcliffe, who plans to feature some 7-on-7 work before the actual game. "The conditioning level is way beyond where we were a year ago at this time, which will allow us to practice like we like to practice."
Cutcliffe will get a chance to see running back Re'quan Boyette, who missed all of 2008 with a knee injury, in action for the Blue team, which is made up of the first-team offense and second-team defense. Duke's leading rusher in 2006 and 2007, Boyette has impressed teammates with his recovery process. He will share the backfield with the shifty Jay Hollingsworth, last year's leading rusher as a true freshman.
"People want to see what Re'quan is going to be able to do," Blue team quarterback Thaddeus Lewis said. "But we know what he is capable of because we see the cuts and the explosiveness every day in practice."
In the backfield for the White team will be redshirt freshman quarterback Sean Renfree and running back Tony Jackson. The highly regarded Renfree, a four-star recruit two years ago, made strides as a redshirt and received high praise from Lewis, the senior starter and his mentor.
"Sean is a well-polished, intelligent quarterback," Lewis said. "The way that he picked up the football system was incredible. He is more advanced than I was as a freshman."
The future seems bright with Renfree, but Cutcliffe has made clear that Lewis will be the starter for the fourth straight season. Lewis, who threw 15 touchdowns and just six interceptions last year, is a capable distributor and athletic presence in the pocket who has been noted for coming of age as a leader.
"Thad wasn't vocal as a freshman," Boyette said. "Over the years, I've seen him become more vocal, but at the same time, he still leads with his actions, both on and off the field."
On the outside, the Blue Devils had some turnover as last year's leading receiver Eron Riley is no longer in the mix. Lewis, however, is excited about the maturation of two of his Blue team targets, sophomores Johnny Williams and Donovan Varner, both smaller wideouts known for their ability to make plays after the catch.
"These guys showed glimpses of their capabilities last year," Lewis said. "Then, that confidence carried over into strong workouts, so people need to be on the lookout for those two."
On the other side of the ball, Duke has lost some talent in the linebacking corps and secondary, although the defensive line remains strong with returners Vince Oghobaase and Ayanga Okpokowuruk. Oghobaase won't play Saturday, as he went down with a stress fracture in his foot March 18. Senior linebacker Vincent Rey has shifted from the outside to the middle, and cornerback Leon Wright anchors the secondary.
Even though there will only be Duke players on the field Saturday, the game is a chance for some to get back into playing shape and a great oppurtunity for others to earn more of a look from the coaching staff. Cutcliffe plans to lead his team in a Devil Walk from the Chapel before the game, and he will also address the crowd at halftime.
And whatever happens, Duke will end up winning.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.