Duke's improved speed evident in spring game

DURHAM -- Duke junior Johnny Williams summarized Saturday’s annual spring game with a statement that was obvious to all that watched.

“It was fast today,” he said.

Duke coach David Cutcliffe has emphasized improving team speed since his arrival three years ago and has aimed his recruiting efforts at acquiring the players who have the burst he wants. The results of that search were evident all over the field as some of the Blue Devils’ sophomores and freshmen showcased their talents.

“We’ve gotten better in that regard,” said Cutcliffe, who acknowledged its difficult to judge in a scrimmage. “I don’t think there’s any question we’re more athletic, we’re faster.”

Spring practice ended for the Devils with the Blue team defeating the White team 24-3. Cutcliffe said that the 15 spring practices have given his staff a clear understanding of how his football team, despite its gains in speed, must improve come August.

The Devils will be young with 54 of its 82 scholarship players either sophomore and freshmen. Their inexperience will be tested, especially with a schedule that features Alabama on Sept. 18.

“If anybody sees a good deal on diapers out there, let me know I’m going to need them,” Cutcliffe said.

Starting sophomore quarterback Sean Renfree missed the spring game as he recovers from injury - a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee - in which he suffered last season. He has regained mobility and has participated in drills during the spring, but has been restricted from contact situations.

Filling in for Renfree, redshirt freshman Sean Schroder led the first-team White offense against the first-team Blue defense, while freshman Brandon Connette led the second-team Blue offense against the second-team White defense.

Connette, 18, graduated early from Santiago High in Corona, Calif., and enrolled at Duke this spring. He came in prepared, earning the team’s most-improved offensive player award, sharing that honor with offensive lineman Perry Simmons.

Cutcliffe said his play certainly stood out as “it has in a lot of scrimmages.”

On Saturday, Connette’s speed and grit were on display as he rushed 13 times for 91 yards and a touchdown. He also completed 8-of-19 passes for 67 yards and a touchdown. He was completely comfortable rolling out to pass or turning up field for a run.

“Spring was definitely a learning experience for me,” said Connette, adding that in high school he could just remember the plays and play. Now, he said, he has to have true knowledge of the play, something that’s going to take time.

Cutcliffe said when fall camp opens Renfree is the team’s starter, while Connette, Schroder and incoming freshman Anthony Boone will be evaluated to determine the back-up order.

Schroder didn’t help his case on Saturday, completing 4 of 20 pass attempts for 23 yards. He said he didn’t have the timing with receivers of previous spring practice. “It wasn’t a great day,” he said.

Sophomore Desmond Scott, a Durham Hillside High graduate, finished the game with 13 carries for 97 yards. He and his fellow backs ran with authority - collecting 232 yards - trying to address the Devils’ ineffective running game last season.

“All throughout coach has been harping on finishing the run, finishing the block,” he said. “I think we did a good job of finishing.”

He was also impressed with his Connette running ability.

“He adds another weapon,” Scott said. “He’s moving.”

Freshman Josh Snead contributed to the Devils’ overall speed, too. The Smithfield-Selma High graduate enrolled early and has earned an instant reputation as a play-maker.

He busted up field for a 60-yard run in the fourth quarter on Saturday and would have carried it into the endzone until junior Matt Daniels tackled him from behind.

“He’s a heck of an athlete,” Schroeder said. “Once he hits the hole, he’s gone. He’s got a second gear. He’s definitely a different type of athlete.”

The Devils end spring practice without any major injuries or surgeries, though receiver Donovan Varner and left guard Mitchell Lederman missed the spring game with injuries.

Cutcliffe said he exits the spring concerned about the team’s depth on defense and the front line. He said the spring practice featured live punts because they have to evaluate many new athletes in the kicking game.

“I think that will teach us a lot about our speed and young athletes,” he said.