The Oracle DeVontres Dukes’ revival

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A nice Game Eve feature on the Bulls' Devontres Dukes from the student newspaper.

DeVontres Dukes’ revival

September 18, 2020 10:58 am by Richard Silva, Correspondent

 

After an incredibly disappointing second half of the 2018 season in which the Bulls went 0-6 in their final six games, then-coach Charlie Strong dismissed 11 players.

The official reason given for the suspensions was unspecified violations of team rules. Reports also claimed that the 11 players suspended were unlikely to return to the team for the following season. 

Now, two years later, only one of the 11 players remains on the team — wide receiver DeVontres Dukes.

Dukes is now the first receiver on the depth chart and one of USF’s leading receivers heading into Game 2 against Notre Dame. The 2020 season may be a new start for first-year coach Jeff Scott, but it’s also a second chance for players like Dukes.

He made some noise right away Saturday in the 27-6 win over The Citadel, scoring USF’s first touchdown of the season, a 10-yard fade pass from quarterback Jordan McCloud.

From being on the fringes of the team to becoming an immediate playmaker, gratitude comes to mind for Dukes.

“Just thankful and grateful, I’m just feeling blessed because you guys know my story,” he said after Saturday’s game. “Three years ago, two years ago, I wasn’t like this at all. Just being able to line up and help the team win, to me that’s one of my accomplishments. 

“I was grateful to do that tonight.”

Even before his showing against The Citadel, Scott had high praise for Dukes.

“He [Dukes] came to see me when I got the job … and really kind of talked about his situation,” Scott said...Continue Reading