DBR Podcast #337 - Jim Sumner On Duke Football

Normally it’s the Duke Basketball Report Podcast, but for this week, we’re the Duke Football Report Podcast, as the Blue Devils kick off the 2021 season against the Charlotte 49ers in just a few days, and we have questions. DBR’s own Jim Sumner is here to answer all of our questions about the team and its upcoming season.

Graduate student Gunnar Holmberg is stepping into the starting quarterback role as Coach David Cutcliffe looks to replace key pieces all over the field. We ask Jim how ready Holmberg is to take over the position, particularly given the difficulty the team had last year with graduate transfer Chase Brice under center. The high point of Duke’s offensive attack is on the ground, where returning running back Mataeo Durant is returning after one of the best seasons in Duke history. The rest of the offensive skill players are less experienced and accomplished, but we hope that Holmberg and the rest of the group can develop quickly.

On the defensive side of the ball, Duke is looking at a lot of new players in key roles, as they’ve lost a few talented players to the NFL draft. Who can replace the production of Chris Rumph II, Michael Carter II, and Victor Dimukeje?

Finally, we look at the coaching staff, including Coach Cutcliffe’s future at Duke, and the status of the various coordinators. Duke didn’t make many changes on the staff this offseason, but that doesn’t mean the team can’t make big changes on the field to right the ship after a 2-9 season in 2020.

We’ll be back to basketball soon enough! Stay in touch at dbrpodcast at gmail.com, and we’ll be back before you know it.