Duke Football Team Preview: Offensive Line

The next installment in our Duke Football Team Preview leads us to the offensive line. This was a unit that might have been the strongest on the team last year with players such as OG Laken Tomlinson and OT Takoby Cofield earning post-season awards. The unit was so good last year that they led the nation in fewest tackles allowed per game while also ranking first in the ACC in fewest sacks allowed per passing attempt. It was a historically good offensive line for the Blue Devils last year but there are players that return with experience and while the production this unit had a year ago will be tough it duplicate, it will not drop off significantly.

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2014 All-ACC selection Matt Skura returns to anchor the middle of the line. Skura, standing at 6’4, 305 pounds, is a redshirt senior and was recently named to the Rimington Watch List as one of the best centers in the nation. He started all 14 games last year, totaling 919 snaps. He has a dearth of experience and is just what the Blue Devils need on the line as they transition away from Tomlinson and Cofield. He is a great run blocker who has ideal size and athleticism for center. His leadership is unquestionable and will be a consistent driving force in the middle of the Blue Devils’ offensive line.

Lucas Patrick also returns as he played and started in 12 games during the 2014 season. Like Skura, Patrick is a redshirt senior who will be leaned upon to provide stability and consistency at left guard for the Blue Devils. He plays with great strength and athleticism as a prototypical guard. He is quick and explosive. Patrick will no doubt be starting to the left of Skura once the season rolls around.

Next is Casey Blaser, who also returns from starting in all 13 games in 2014. Another consistent player who was a rock at the right tackle position a season ago. A better run blocker than a pass blocker, Blaser shows very good initial quickness and explosion at the point of attack.

The three players mentioned above are all in line to hold onto their starting positions heading into next fall. They all have experience which is crucial to the offensive line as chemistry is key. They are all consistent performers and Skura especially is one of the best centers in the country. The question is who will replace Tomlinson at right guard and Cofield at left tackle.

Cody Robinson, Gabe Brandner, Sterling Korona and Tanner Stone are the top replacements for these positions. Robinson is a redshirt senior who actually appeared in all 13 games a season ago with one start. He has ideal experience to slide into the guard position left behind by Tomlinson. Another tough run blocker, Robinson is a versatile young man who plays to his strengths which is in fact his strength. He can also slide to center if anything ever happens to Skura.

Gabe Brandner is a 6’6, 275 pound, redshirt sophomore, who played in 5 games last year totaling 58 snaps. Brander has the height required for the tackle position and enough athleticism to survive on the outside. He might need another year of seasoning and bulk as a backup before he can truly be relied upon to be an every down starter. Very nice player to have for depth purposes.

Sterling Korona, a 6’7, 290 pound, redshirt sophomore, played in 5 games last year totaling a 62 snaps. He has the ideal height and athletic ability to be a left tackle at major division I football. His hands are strong and the pop he has in his initial hit on a defensive end is explosive. Korona is a strong candidate to take over for Coefield’s departure.

Finally, Tanner Stone is a 6’6, 300 pound, redshirt junior, who played in 6 games last season totaling 78 snaps. Stone competed with Casey Blaser for the starting right tackle position in fall camp last year. Stone ultimately lost the competition to him and Blaser took advantage starting every game for the Blue Devils. He has a good frame and has demonstrated that he can contribute in the pass and run game with varying consistency.

Duke also adds two great prospects in tackle Reno Rosene and guard Zach Baker. Both should not be needed for the upcoming season as they will benefit from a redshirt season. Rosene especially looks to be a future stud as he already stands in at 6’8, 344 pounds. Coaches are excited for these two freshmen.

ACC Rank: 3rd

A position with tons of experience and veteran leadership from a fantastic group last year. Skura leads the way as one of the top centers in the nation. Patrick has one guard position locked down and Blaser has the right tackle position solidified. The trio of Robinson and Brandner as well as reshirt sophomore, Austin Davis, will battle it out for the other guard position while the left tackle position will go to either Sterling Korona or Tanner Stone. In my opinion, Korona-Patrick-Skura-Robinson-Blaser would be my starting five. Tanner could also easily be the choice instead of Korona but I think Korona’s potential is higher. Overall, a fantastic line a year ago will turn out to be a major strength for the Blue Devils’ offense.