On the eve of this season, head coach David Cutcliffe and defensive coordinator Marion Hobby were uncertain as to what they could expect out of their defense with just four full-time returning starters. Nine games into this year’s slate, they have a much better idea.
While the first words that come to mind when describing the Duke defense would never be dominant or stingy, the unit has made great strides this year. Up to this point in the season, the defense has been yielding a respectable 23.6 points a game, right on pace with last year’s total of 23.4 points an outing.
Considering that all-conference performer and last year’s leading tackler Michael Tauiliili departed along with consistent contributors Glenn Williams and Greg Akinbiyi, much of this success can be attributed to the emergence of a handful of first-year starters.
“These guys have been providing what we expected,” Cutcliffe said. “I’m very pleased with the way these guys have stepped into their roles and thrived.”
Sophomore safety Matt Daniels has been a force in the secondary after not recording a start in his rookie campaign. Linebacker Damian Thornton and nose guard Charlie Hatcher have each started in eight of Duke’s nine games after making just one collective start the previous year.
Another item that Cutcliffe has put particular emphasis on is the progress that his defensive newcomers have been making from game to game. A certain portion of this improvement is a general by-product of getting consistent snaps in live action, but the influence of holdovers such as Vince Oghobaase and Vincent Rey cannot be underestimated.
“Vince and Vinny bring a lot to the table,” fellow returning starter Catron Gainey said. “More than just their individual performance that we have come to expect, they do a lot in terms of motivating and coaching up the younger players.”
Although the defensive unit hasn’t consistently made game-breaking plays, with the exception of Leon Wright’s two interception returns for touchdowns against Army, it has become increasingly opportunistic.
A perfect example of this sense of increased aggression occurred late in the game Oct. 31 at Virginia with the Blue Devils protecting a slim lead. Defensive end Ayanga Okpokowuruk got to quarterback Jameel Sewell, jarring the ball loose, and Hatcher was there to scoop up the fumble and rumble into the end zone to kill any Cavalier comeback hope.
Thornton also has a habit of making plays when they count most. On the season, he has recorded 5.5 stops in the backfield, several of which have come on key third downs. The linebacker has caught his coaches’ and teammates’ attention with his intensity.
“Damian is emotional to say the least,” Cutcliffe said. “That’s great so long as you can still read and react. He keeps getting better as the season progresses; he’s just a competitor.”
This mentality of performing when it counts most is something that the coaching staff has been stressing. So far this year, the opposition has moved into the red zone 30 times and only scored touchdowns on 57 percent of those possessions. Also, Duke put an end to five of those trips without giving up any points.
This weekend, with Georgia Tech and its prolific triple-option offense rolling into Wallace Wade Stadium, getting stops on third down will be crucial. Last week, North Carolina victimized the Blue Devils on third down and ended up with a huge advantage in time of possession. By the fourth quarter, Duke was worn down, and the floodgates opened.
To guard against this fatigue, Cutcliffe will have to rely on other players who have seen their responsibilities expand this year. Lee Butler and Chris Rwabukamba will continue to play most of the snaps in the secondary, while Patrick Egboh and Adam Banks will help spell a front seven depleted by injuries.
“We have the same rotation, but we could see some circumstances from a health standpoint,” Cutcliffe said. “And someone may have to step up.”
The theme of an individual stepping up on the defensive side of the ball will be nothing new for the Blue Devils. Sophomores Daniels, Butler and Hatcher have all carved out their roles this year and will be expected to help younger players develop in the future.
“Actual playing experience is huge,” Cutcliffe said. “It will certainly serve some of these younger guys well down the road.”
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