Elevated Duke football program produces talented all-decade team
The 21st century’s second decade saw Duke football experience success like it hadn’t seen since the days of black-and-white television.
As David Cutcliffe’s massive rebuilding job took effect, Duke played in six bowl games — winning three during the 2010s after appearing in just two from 1961-2011.
The Blue Devils beat rival North Carolina five times this decade after doing so only once from 1990-2011.
They posted five winning seasons after having none from 1994-2011.
The players who turned Duke football into a successful program make up the Blue Devils’ all-decade team.
QUARTERBACK
Daniel Jones, 2016-18
Started as a freshman at Duke and, three years later, started with the New York Giants as a rookie. Not bad for a two-star recruit.
RUNNING BACK
Shaun Wilson, 2014-17
Duke’s leading rusher in 2016 and 2017 was also co-MVP of the 2015 Pinstripe Bowl, the program’s first bowl win since the 1961 Cotton Bowl.
WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS
Jamison Crowder, 2011-14
Before his NFL career with Washington and the New York Jets, amassed 283 receptions to tie Conner Vernon for Duke’s career record.
Conner Vernon, 2009-12
Named second-team all-ACC in each of his final three seasons. Holds Duke’s career record in receiving yards at 3,749.
Donovan Varner, 2008-11
First receiver in Duke history to surpass 200 career receptions, finished with 207 catches and is No. 5 on Duke’s all-time list with 2,660 receiving yards
Cooper Helfet, 2010-11
Rare junior college transfer to Duke flourished in his two seasons, earning all-ACC honors twice while catching 77 passes and scoring six touchdowns.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Laken Tomlinson, 2011-14
Duke hadn’t had a player selected in the NFL Draft’s first round since 1987 before Detroit picked this athletic guard 28th overall in 2014.
Matt Skura, 2012-15
Starting center from 2013-15 when Duke won 27 games. First-team all-ACC and second-team all-American in 2015. Now with NFL’s Baltimore Ravens.
Lucas Patrick, 2012-15
Powerful guard, now with NFL’s Green Bay Packers, started final 21 games of his career and was honorable mention all-ACC in 2015.
Perry Simmons, 2010-13
Raleigh Sanderson High School product proved to be an ironman at tackle, starting 50 consecutive games at Duke. Named all-ACC as a senior.
Takoby Cofield, 2011-14
Hulking tackle from Tarboro started 42 consecutive games and was an all-ACC selection in 2014.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Victor Dimukeje, 2017-19
A starter from the first game of his freshman season, the Baltimore product led Duke in sacks in 2018 and 2019.
Kenny Anunike, 2008-13
Moved from tight end to defensive end and, while battling through numerous injuries (five surgeries), is tied for fourth on Duke’s career list for sacks (15).
AJ Wolf, 2013-16
Named a CoSIDA Academic All-American as a junior and senior. Started 25 games for Duke at defensive tackle. Recorded two or more tackles in 30 games.
Mike Ramsay, 2014-17
Big tackle clogged the middle, starting final 25 games and being named third-team all-ACC as a senior.
LINEBACKERS
David Helton, 2011-14
Led ACC in tackles as a junior and senior with 267 combined stops. First-team all-ACC player also won 2014 William V. Campbell Trophy (academic Heisman).
Joe Giles-Harris, 2016-18
Left Duke a year early for NFL after a Duke career where he was a two-time, first-team all-ACC selection. Won Duke’s team MVP in 2017.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Jeremy Cash, 2013-15
Transferred from Ohio State to become a dominating presence in Duke’s backfield at safety. Named ACC defensive player of the year in 2015.
Ross Cockrell, 2010-13
Cornerback selected all-ACC first team following 2012 and 2013 seasons. A four-year starter who has played in the NFL with Buffalo, Pittsburgh, the New York Giants and Carolina.
Breon Borders, 2013-16
Athletic cornerback finished his career with 12 interceptions and 34 pass break ups. Spent this season in NFL with Jacksonville and Washington.
Dylan Singleton, 2016-19
Recorded 160 of his 215 career tackles over the last two seasons at safety for the Blue Devils.
Matt Daniels, 2008-11
First-team all-ACC selection at safety in 2011 when he led Duke in tackles with 126. Finished his career third in Duke history in forced fumbles.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Ross Martin, 2012-15
One of the best kickers in Duke history. Made 89.3 percent of his field goals and only missed one extra point in four seasons.
Will Monday, 2012-15
First-team all-ACC pick as a freshman punter who finished his career with highest punting average in Duke history at 46.5 yards per attempt.
DeVon Edwards, 2013-16
Returned six kickoffs for touchdowns to set at Duke record and finished his career averaging 27 yards per return.
IN THE TEAM PICTURE
A host of players were in the running for this team since Duke had so much success this decade. Quarterback Anthony Boone led Duke to the 2013 ACC Coastal Division championship and wide receivers Max McCaffrey and TJ Rahming just missed out on making the team after their stellar careers. Linebackers Ben Humphreys and Kelby Brown were standouts as well. Offensive lineman Dave Harding was the best captain the Blue Devils had this decade.
This story was originally published December 31, 2019 at 2:00 PM.