Everything you need to know and what actually matters about the 2019 Duke Blue Devil recruiting class.
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How do you recruit if you’re Duke? Obviously you have to recruit to a type, and you have to get a certain sort of smart guy who fits the system, but there’s a limited pool. With what David Cutcliffe has to work with, he did magnificent job.
No one’s going to confuse Duke’s class with Clemson’s, but expect it to finish among the upper half in most of the rankings. Last year’s class was light with just 16 recruits. This one is bigger and a whole lot stronger.
After blowing off the pass rush in last season’s class and going big on defensive tackle, this year’s haul is heavy on defensive ends. The receivers are solid, but the depth is at defensive end, starting with Christian Rorie and Ahmad Craig.
For this year, losing QB Daniel Jones is a problem – considering he’s supposed to be a first round pick – but wide receiver is the biggest hole with the top four receivers gone. Some of the new guys will get an instant look.
There aren’t any quarterbacks in this class. Gunnar Holmberg was signed on last season, and Quentin Harris is the only senior out of the five options on the roster.
Defensive back Tony Davis should be the star of the class. Florida, Michigan and Georgia were in on him, but Duke landed the 6-2, 185-pounder early on in the process. He’ll do a little of everything.
Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter was a terrific signing, too. The class might have the bulk talent at defense end, but the 6-3, 275-pound tackle could make the biggest impact.
Cutcliffe has gone kicker crazy. Collin Wareham is done, but there are four on the roster – not counting punter Austin Parker – who could be used on field goals, too. There are two kickers – Charlie Ham and Porter Wilson – signed on to throw on the pile.
Cutcliffe is turning 65 this season. While he’s showing no signs of slowing down, and the program should be good enough to go bowling this season. Age played little role in the process. This is one of his better recruiting classes. It’s not his best, but it’s close to it, and it’s strong.
