Here is a brief rundown of Duke's impact players.
Ben Patrick: incoming freshman
He is the Mike Dunleavy of football. At his HS, he played QB, punter, TE, tail back, defensive line, offensive line. He is 6'4" and will probably play TE for Duke next year. Could take first team ALL-ACC Mike Hart's spot due to graduation. Ben was rated 4 stars out of 5 by rivals (much better at ranking football than basketball, IMO) and rated the 15 best TE in the nation; the cornerstone of Duke's incoming class.
Malcolm Ruff: incoming frosh
He is a very good running back, but will probably play safety as a backup to Alex Green. He was rated a 3 star bi rivals as a RB, and was rated a 3 star by Max Emfinger at safety.
Eric Lyon: incoming frosh
3 star WR by rivals. He played on the same HS team as Mario Raley, considered by some as a top 5 WR in the senior class. Both played at Independence day in Charlotte, along with QB phenom Chris Leak. He will probably back up Lance Johnson at the WR.
Eli Nichols: incoming frosh
He got some major interest as a DE from Miami and Florida. He got a call from Coker himself asking for him to take a visit to Miami. He could challenge for a DE spot, if he gains some weight.
Lance Johnson: He is a fast little WR who has really, really come on lately. In spring practice, some said he showed the most improvement out of any of the players. He will probably start at WR.
Reggie Love: Yes, he is the basketball Reggie Love in LK's sig. He is a TE/WR tweener who has really struggled finding a set position. Was highly touted out of HS, but hasn't showed his stuff yet. He will battle out for a WR spot with Khary Sharpe.
Khary Sharpe: Lightning quick. If he could get some muscle in the offseason, and not lose too much speed, he could be very good. He made some great plays last year, and will probably get significant PT at WR if not starting.
Ryan Fowler: Terrific LB. He led Duke in sacks, and was high in the ACC for total sacks (heard somewhere he was actually top 3) He will start at the LB.
Jim Scharrer: He could be very good once he gets back into football mode. He could have gone to very good division one schools out of HS, but chose to play MLB (minor league) instead. He came back, to Duke primarily for education. He popped some people very nicely last year, but was injured in the offseason. Hopefully he will be ready. He will start at LB.
Jamyon Small: Very good at stopping the run. Needs to work on rushing the passer more if he wants to get a shot at the NFL next year. He will start along with Scharrer and Fowler.
Out LBs are terrific: too bad the DL sucks.
RB: Chris Douglas
Honorable mention ALL ACC. He could potentially have a 1000 yard season. This year he came relatively close, and next year he should be better and be able to make a good run at 1000.
QB: D Bryant
In one word, inconsistent. One game he looks like the next John Elway. The next game he looks like an average middle school quarterback. His game resembles Ronald Curry in the way he runs. He runs very well, but doesn't do it often enough. He is injury prone, but when healthy, he contributes very well. He should start.
Safety: Alex Green
He played very, very well last season. He opened some people's eyes in a major way. He should start, unless Ruff turns out to be incredible.
I guess it wasn't so brief after all. Hope this helps, whoever asked.
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