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Waking Up Fast
Freshman McDuffie has come on strong to win starting cornerback job for Appalachian
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Published: August 26, 2008
BOONE - So much for first impressions.
Freshman Dominique McDuffie was caught snoozing in a team meeting soon after his arrival at Appalachian State. But he hasn't missed a thing since, recovering nicely for a probable starting assignment in the Mountaineers' opening game at LSU.
"In our first meeting, he fell asleep," said John Wiley, the Mountaineers' defensive coordinator. "I thought we might be having an issue. But it turned out OK. I just made him stand up so he'd know he was still in class."
McDuffie has stood out in preseason camp after a move from safety to cornerback. He knows there can be no napping against LSU.
"I know it will be a challenge," McDuffie said. "I'm not nervous about it. I'm excited."
Wiley might have reason to be nervous having a freshman make his college debut in front of 90,000-plus fans at LSU's Death Valley. In fact, the Mountaineers' entire secondary will be manned by a totally different unit than the one that began last season against Michigan.
"Would I rather have (Jerome) Touchstone and (Justin) Woazeah at corner for this one, with their experience?" Wiley said. "Sure. But we don't. And, really, I like what we have."
McDuffie was a standout wide receiver and basketball player at Red Bank High School in Chattanooga, Tenn., but never played cornerback. He was recruited with free safety in mind, but Wiley spotted cornerback potential soon after his arrival.
"I was watching him do one-on-one drills and he was doing everything athletically you need to do for a corner," Wiley said.
Lingering effects from an ankle injury in the spring to projected starter Jared Reine left a void at right cornerback and opened the door for McDuffie.
"As camp has gone on, he's emerged as the best guy there," Wiley said. "He's stepped up to the plate. He's got an awareness. He's got an understanding."
Jerry Moore, the Mountaineers' coach, said of McDuffie: "He's got great reaction to the ball. He's a tough kid. He tackles well, and he's real athletic."
And McDuffie has something that Touchstone, a four-year starter, didn't have. Touchstone is 5-7. McDuffie is 6-2.
"There are a lot of big receivers out there," McDuffie said. "I've got long arms so if they get a step on me I can still reach out and tip a pass. I don't think receivers will overpower me or jump over me."
Wiley said: "Touch played the position differently than Dominique is going to play it. For his size, he has corner athleticism. He has the hips and ability to break on the ball. He's a smooth, fluid athlete. He tackles well at that size."
Joining freshman McDuffie in the secondary will be junior Cortez Gilbert at left corner, sophomore Mark LeGree at safety and senior Leonard Love at nickel. Ed Gainey, a freshman who played at Mount Tabor, has emerged as the top backup at corner.
"They're all performing very well, exceeding expectations," Wiley said.
McDuffie, who considered playing at Tennessee Tech, said that he's pleased he chose Appalachian. Other Ohio Valley and Southern conference teams, including hometown Chattanooga, showed interest.
"I could have stayed at home or close to home, but I felt this was the best place for me," McDuffie said. "It's the best way to possibly win a national championship. It's the best way to get my name out there."
■ Tommy Bowman can be reached at 727-7320 or at tbowman@wsjournal.com.
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