Graduation decimated the Blue Devils on the defensive side of the ball. Duke will return just three starters from last season's defensive squad. Some young guns will have to step up or the Devils may be facing another tough season.
Head coach Carl Franks, though, says the openings are making for some good competition.
"It's certainly a concern anytime you are a relatively young football team, but there is some enthusiasm out there -- who are going to be the new stars? Who are going are the guys who are going to step up? Who are the guys who are going to make big plays for you," he says.
Duke should be strong on offense. Seven starters return including four linemen and quarterback Spencer Romine, who knows, early on the offense may have to carry the load.
"We have guys back so that is what we are set up to do," Romine says. "We have most of our line back. We lost one guy there. We lost a couple of receivers, but we have some younger kids who are going a great job right now."
The Blue Devils will get an early gauge on just how far they have come when they open the regular season against East Carolina Sept. 2.
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