David Cutcliffe's reputation is that of a quarterback guru, but he gives as much attention to the often-overlooked third element of the game--special teams.
"Coach Cutcliffe is in every special teams meeting," special teams coordinator and tight ends coach Ron Middleton said. "Nobody on this team is immune to special teams. We are given specific practice time, meeting time and whatever else we need to be prepared."
After years of futility on special teams, Duke finally began to show consistency in Cutcliffe's first season at the helm. Kicker Nick Maggio did not miss a single extra point and he and Joe Surgan combined to make 13-of-18 field goals.
Redshirt junior Kevin Jones, the team's starting punter, said the chemistry of the special teams has played a major role in helping the unit improve.
"We have worked on chemistry amongst all the special teams players, making sure everyone is comfortable with each other," Jones said. "[Special teams] is very focus-oriented. There are not many opportunities, so it is important that you capitalize on the chances you have."
The starting kicker job, despite Maggio's return, is still up for grabs between him and Will Snyderwine. The coaching staff is expected to make a decision this week on who will handle kickoff and field goal duties.
Middleton also stressed the importance of the field position battle this upcoming season. Before Cutcliffe arrived, Duke often tired in the fourth quarter, which meant the Blue Devils covered little ground and allowed their opponents to have short drives for points.
Thanks to Cutcliffe's conditioining levels, however, the team did not fatigue down the stretch and was able to put itself in better position to win close games. Against Virginia Tech, for example, Duke's field positition management meant the Hokies' only offensive points came on the last drive of the first half.
With an even heavier emphasis on conditioning this offseason---the team ran 5,000 yards in sprints-Middleton expects the special teams to not only contribute, but also to make a difference.
"We feel that we can positively affect [and] win three games just from special teams," he said. "We preach it, we put the time in and put the emphasis on it, and hopefully that equates to a successful unit."
Wide receiver Johnny Williams will handle punt returns, while fifth-year senior running back Re'quan Boyette will return kickoffs this season. No one has yet been named as the off-return man, or the man who receives the ball on short kickoffs.
Middleton said depth and filling in roster spots on the coverage squads will be the biggest challenges.
But if his players live up to Middleton's expectations to win three more games, that would be just enough to help Duke qualify for a bowl game.
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