Duke held its 8th practice of the 2023 season Sunday afternoon in sweltering weather, but that didn’t stop hundreds of family and friends from getting an up close glimpse of what is to come. The thirteen practice sessions (17 minutes a piece) included individual workouts, specialty group drills, 7-on-7 and ended with a team scrimmage. All players stayed for about 20 minutes at the end to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans in attendance.
Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s practice:
Veterans Will Lead the Fold
Blue Devils’ highly touted offensive lineman Graham Barton and senior defensive end R.J. Oben reiterated consistency, continuity, and stability. With Duke returning nine starters on offense, the mentality is not settling for last years results but to build and look forward.
We Belong on this Stage
Looking ahead to the season opener against Clemson on Labor Day weekend, as the stand alone game in front of the bright lights and national audience, the Blue Devils are embracing the challenge of protecting their home field versus the ACC preseason favorite Clemson Tigers.
Heat Check
The 98 degree weather yesterday, with a heat index of 102, didn’t diminish Duke’s focus. Multiple players said the middle of August is football weather. Preparing for the season in brutal temperatures helps create a mentality to fix and correct mistakes on both sides of the ball.
Up Next for the Blue Devils is Duke’s media day Saturday at 3:20 pm.
