Duke started putting the finishing touches on its 2010 football recruiting class on Sunday by receiving a commitment from Steven Ingram, a promising defensive lineman from Southaven, Miss.
And in the opinion of Coach Ed Rich of Southaven High School, Duke might have outfoxed all others in recruiting Ingram, a 6-3, 300-pound senior.
Ingram was not a top prospect by season's end but not because of poor play. He underwent a growth spurt in the last year, according to Rich, during which he suffered a partially pulled ligament in one of his hips.
Ingram's hip hurt for the entire season. He did not practice with his team on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and rode a stationary bike to maintain conditioning. He went through Thursday's walkthrough practices and played on Fridays.
Rich said that Ingram never missed a game despite the bothersome hip.
"He went through a lot of pain," Rich said. "The doctors said he's not through growing, so he could turn into a big one. And he already is a big one."
Ingram is Duke's 20th commitment. He can sign the binding national letter of intent on Wednesday when the NCAA's football signing period will begin.
Arkansas State, Memphis and Jackson State also offered Ingram scholarships.
"When Duke offered him (a scholarship), that was it," Rich said. "The hip problem was why he had so few offers. Had he been healthy, there would have been a lot more."
Ingram played offensive guard and defensive tackle as a senior. Rich said that Duke will likely play Ingram at defensive tackle. Rich considers the position Ingram's best fit.
Ingram helped Southaven go 9-3 in Class 6-A play for Mississippi's big schools. He was all-conference and all-region as a defensive tackle. He plays football only at the school.
Rich said that Ingram decided on Duke because of its blend of academics and athletics.
"He's one of those kids that's got his goals and knows where he wants to go," Rich said. "He's the true student-athlete."
bcole@wsjournal.com
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