Any Duke fan would like to forget 2007’s one-win campaign. Lost in the chaos of that season, though, was then-junior Re’quan Boyette’s best season, as he led the team with 432 yards rushing and averaged 4.2 yards a carry.
As 2008 began, Boyette was expected to head Duke’s running attack under head coach David Cutcliffe’s new scheme. A torn knee ligament in preseason, however, knocked out Boyette for the year before he even played a snap, and any certainty in the Duke backfield with him.
“It was really tough because I wanted to be out there playing with the guys I came in with,” Boyette told The Chronicle. “So it was tough, but at the same time I was able to stay positive and my teammates really helped me to stay positive, and I was able to get through it.”
In Boyette’s absence, the Blue Devils turned to a trio of backs to carry the load, led by another senior leader in Clifford Harris. Boyette’s good friend was the starter for most of the season and took advantage of the opportunity, rushing for 345 yards and scoring six touchdowns, three of them receiving.
“I knew once I went down Cliff was going to step up, because that’s what he does, and this was his chance,” Boyette said. “He was able to step in and have a bigger role, and I think it really helped him show off his skills and helped his confidence and helped him help the other guys down the line.”
Sophomore Tony Jackson, who was dismissed from the team July 22, also played a major role in the backfield, rushing for 259 yards on only 76 carries.
But the biggest revelation was Jay Hollingsworth. The freshman, who acknowledged he knew he might be redshirted entering the season, was thrown into the fire after Boyette’s injury and responded well. Hollingsworth led the Blue Devils in carries and rushing yards, and also was third on the team in both receptions and receiving yards.
“Being around backs that had more experience than me, I was able to feed off of that, and they were able to show me examples of how it should be done and give me more insight and knowledge of the offense,” Hollingsworth said.
Indeed, Boyette acknowledged that his injury might have been a blessing in disguise for Duke’s future success.
“I think my injury, this may sound crazy, but I think it helped a little bit as far as the experience that we’re going to have down the line, as far as getting Jay in as a freshman and having him play,” Boyette said.
For more on Duke's running back core entering the 2009 season, check back with The Chronicle Monday.
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