Blue Devils finding replacements for departed standouts

DURHAM, N.C. — On an unprecedented roll of consecutive bowl game appearances, and finally having won a bowl game after a multi-generational drought, Duke football finished spring practice with questions to answer if it wants to continue the success.

Having played in bowl games following the last four seasons, including last December’s Pinstripe Bowl win over Indiana, Duke worked this spring without one of the star players from that game — quarterback Thomas Sirk (ruptured Achilles’ tendon).

The Blue Devils also are replacing senior starters from last year’s 8-5 team like center Matt Skura, leading receiver Max McCaffrey, running back Shaquille Powell and ACC Defensive Player of the Year Jeremy Cash.

Those four have exhausted their eligibility and are preparing for professional football careers.

That means Duke will have a new look this fall. But with the fresh faces comes uncertainty.