Mike Elko met with the media Monday to discuss his Duke football team and its upcoming opener with Clemson, Monday night, Labor Day, with the whole football universe watching.
I’ll get deeper into the weeds later in the week. But I do want to share some of the highlights.
I think a reasonable case can be made that this is the biggest home season-opener in Duke history. Part of that is that Monday time slot, part of it is the growth in social media. But most importantly Duke should be able to compete and if a lot of things go right, maybe even pull off the upset. A Duke win would reverberate across the college-football universe.
But Elko’s not buying any of the hype.
“I know what it is. But we certainly don’t talk like that. This, for us, is one opportunity out of 12 and we know that and no matter what happens next Monday night there’s going to be 11 more on the schedule.”
Elko made no attempt to hide from the obvious. Clemson is good.
“Unbelievable respect for this program. I’ve said all off-season, they’re the gold standard for ACC football.” Elko went on to point out their strength in both lines, at the skill positions, in the secondary, at quarterback, you name it, they’ve got it.
There is some positive news to share. Elko said that wide receiver Eli Pancol is the only significant injury and we’ve known about that for some time.
“Everyone is back practicing.”
Offensive lineman Justin Pickett is the most important addition to the healthy list. But just because the 6-7, 317-pound redshirt sophomore is healthy doesn’t mean he’s ready to play.
“It’s just a little bit of a race against the clock to get him ready.”
Elko added some information about the depth chart, a depth chart that he and his staff are spending a lot of time on.
“We’re finalizing snap counts. That’s the biggest thing. Who has earned the right to play how many plays. I think we’re in position this year where we have a little more depth and a little more competition.”
He said that running back Peyton Jones is the one true freshman expected to be a part of the rotation. Other freshmen making a case to see the field are defensive backs DaShawn Stone and Leon Griffin, linebacker Kendall Johnson, wide receivers Spencer Jones and Sean Brown, all “teetering on the edge of playing.” Quarterback Grayson Loftis is “one play away from being in the two deep.”
Elko said moving Jeremiah Hasley from linebacker to tight end was paying benefits.
“Getting Jeremiah Hasley over there, we feel like added something we feel like we didn’t have in that room, which is a physical, blue-collar blocker. We think that move was really important and we think Jeremiah will play a really big role for us this season.”
Football coaches are creatures of habit and routine. If it’s Tuesday, your team is doing Tuesday things. If it’s Thursday, it’s doing Thursday things. Playing on Monday night messes up this week’s schedule and next week’s.
“We’re so regimented as coaches. We’re going to have our Monday practice on Wednesday and that’s got me all out of whack. It’s probably harder on me then on the kids.”
More later.
Great news on team health. I love reading we only have one player out.