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Duke veterans ratchet up urgency

Times-News - 8/3/2018

Aug. 03--DURHAM -- Johnathan Lloyd and Ben Humphreys have been through this before -- an opening practice for Duke's football team.

For Lloyd, it's the fifth time.

"Just trying to take it all in. This is my last ride," Lloyd said following Thursday morning's practice. "Make the most of every day, every practice, every rep. It's not guaranteed at the next level, so I'm just trying to enjoy my last season here."

The Blue Devils opened the formal part of their preseason workouts in advance of the Aug. 31 opener against visiting Army.

Lloyd, a returning starter receiver, and Humphreys, a senior linebacker, are among the veterans Duke will count on.

Lloyd, a former multi-sport standout at Southern Alamance, was frequently used in the slot in previous seasons. He said he lined up more often on the outside in the initial practice, but he said figures to see time in both roles during the season.

Humphreys combines with redshirt junior Joe Giles-Harris to former a top-notch experienced linebacker combination.

For Humphreys, it seems like a quick career. On the eve of the first practice, he said he went to an area Target and saw former teammate Kelby Brown with wife and baby shopping. In some ways, to Humphreys that signaled urgency because soon his college playing career will conclude.

"I'm looking forward to my last six, seven months here," Humphreys said.

Lloyd and Humphreys said they understand the responsibility that falls on seniors, particularly this time of the year as younger players often need direction as preparations pick up.

"You walk onto the field and there's three classes younger than you," Humphreys said.

There's also a new pecking order on the defensive side with co-coordinators Ben Albert and Matt Guerrieri.

Duke is still using a 4-2-5 alignment, but Humphreys said to expect wrinkles -- he declined to disclose the details -- with the defensive scheme.

Coach David Cutcliffe, wearing a Duke football cap with a Quick Lane Bowl logo (the Blue Devils won that event last December), expressed his normal enthusiasm with another season of practices in the works.

"First days don't ever change, don't ever get old," Cutcliffe said. "Our performance level was inconsistent. It's OK on the first day, but it can't stay that way."

Lloyd said the final go-around can be special. That's what he's planning on.

"I want to embrace that last journey and leave it all on the field," Lloyd said.

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