I think he'll be terrific. Doubt he'll last beyond the second. Running backs have been devalued but the league as a block isn't dumb enough to force that trend and ignore special players.
Duke lacks great finishing speed but he has virtually everything else. Awesome straight arm, among the best I've ever seen. Finishes runs. Willing blocker although be undeniably needs work. Underrated as a pass catcher.
More than anything, I trust Duke to hit the league and raise his game, similar to his first college game when he dominated at Boston College. Guys who were rare talents throughout their lives tend to do that...elevate and surprise the doubters.
He had one serious injury on a weird run at Florida State, low into traffic. Assorted other nicks. Those are wild cards more than easily predicted. He has anything but a fragile frame. Much more energetic wiry runner than Lamar Miller, for example.
There have been some fumble issues, including a key one late in the bowl against South Carolina. Duke sometimes tries to extend the ball near the goal line on an early down and can get careless instead of simply waiting to line up again on the next play.
This is a good Canes crop. I wouldn't tout them simply because I root for that team. Ereck Flowers wills himself to succeed. You can nitpick fundamentals here and there. Bottom line he's stronger and more determined than the guy across from him so more often than not that's enough. Philip Dorsett is a blur. He's faster than Duper ever was, although more slender. He'll alter some games and be lost in others. Denzel Perryman concerns me since he seems so big and musclebound compared to the player I watched at Coral Gables High. He needs to lose weight, IMO. In coverage he'll be exposed so you have to love the strengths he brings on run downs. Clive Walford made the most consistent improvement of any Canes player in at least a half decade. Dedicated kid. Nice player but I think he's moved too high in relation to the tight end from Minnesota, who simply has more rare traits. Also O'Leary from Florida State is more nimble and aware. He has been strangely demoted. Reminds me of Todd Christensen from decades ago.
