http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/players/cooper_helfet/128168 Recent articles about Cooper Helfet en-us It was like a broken record for Duke football last season. It was like a broken record for Duke football last season. It was like a broken record for Duke football last season. It was a second consecutive 3-9 season, followed by questions as to when or if Duke football will be relevant again. The Blue Devils have won 25 games this century, and 15 of those have come since David Cutcliffe took over the program four years ago. As much as the program has progressed, the question is if Cutcliffe can get the Blue Devils to a bowl game for the first time since 1994.   Offense While a bit mistake prone, Sean Renfree is a very capable quarterback. Renfree completed 65% of his passes last year, and is for his career, has completed 63% of his passes. He was able to cut down on his interceptions last year to 11 from 17 the year before, while equaling his touchdown passes from the year before at 14. Renfree's passing yards were down last year from the year before, but he also did throw fewer passes last year. Duke&# Wed, 01 Aug 2012 12:21:43 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/wills_duke_football_preview/11351023 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/wills_duke_football_preview/11351023 Will's Duke Football Preview http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/wills_duke_football_preview/11351023 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Duke is certainly not going to be center stage at the ACC Football Kickoff that starts Sunday in Greensboro, but for Blue Devils fans there is a lot of anticipation.  This has been, right or wrong, marked as the year where Duke Football would emerge from the basement of the ACC and become one of the not so few and not really all that proud, bowl eligible teams. Don't get me wrong, a bowl would be a glorious accomplishment for the Duke Football team, but a .500 record isn't exactly Earth shattering, but that is a story for another day. The Blue Devils have been bad or just plain awful in football for the better part of a half century, so a .500 record would be a positive step. The expectations for this to be a special season are there and while I admire the optimism there are far too many questions that still need answers.In this preview I will attempt to look at some of the questions and concerns that will face Duke from almost the start of camp next month. Questions: Can Sean Renfree become an e Wed, 18 Jul 2012 10:04:18 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_football_high_hopes_more_questions_await_at_acc_kickoff/11244238 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_football_high_hopes_more_questions_await_at_acc_kickoff/11244238 Duke Football: High Hopes, More Questions Await at ACC Kickoff http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/duke_football_high_hopes_more_questions_await_at_acc_kickoff/11244238 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png 2011 Record: (3-9, 1-7 in ACC) Head Coach: David Cutcliffe (15-33 at Duke, 59-62 overall) Last Bowl Game: 1995 Hall of Fame Bowl: lost to Wisconsin 34-20 2011 Pre-Season Preview   Schedule Glimpse: 2012 Schedule Link ACC Away Games: 9/29 at WF, 10/13 at VT, 10/27 at FSU, 11/17 at GT ACC Home Games: 10/6 vs UVA, 10/20 vs UNC, 11/3 vs Clemson, 11/24 vs Miami (FL) Out of Conference: 9/1 vs FIU, 9/8 at Stanford, 9/15 vs NC Central, 9/12 vs Memphis   Statistical Snapshot: 2011 Statistics Link Stat to Cheer: ranked #2 in ACC in passing yardage at 272.2 yards per game Stat to Fear: last in the ACC in turnover margin at -0.75 per game; only 12 takeaways in 2011 (116th in Nation)   Personnel: Phil Steele's Returning Starters: (Offense: 8; Defense: 9; Specialists: 0) Key Defensive Returnees: FS Walt Canty (88 tackles), LB Kelby Brown (65 tackles), CB Ross Cockrell (56 tackles) Key Offensive Returnees: WB Sean Renfree (14 TD, 11 INT), WR Conner Vernon (70 rec, 6 TD)... Mon, 11 Jun 2012 06:00:06 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/2012_pre_season_preview_duke_blue_devils/10985093 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/2012_pre_season_preview_duke_blue_devils/10985093 2012 Pre-Season Preview: Duke Blue Devils http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/2012_pre_season_preview_duke_blue_devils/10985093 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Alex Barron made the most of his tryout during Seahawks rookie minicamp over the weekend. Barron signed a deal with Seattle on Tuesday, the team announced, along with three other rookie tryout survivors -- offensive tackle Andrew Mitchell (Cincinnati), cornerback Donny Lisowski (Montana) and tight end Cooper Helfet (Duke). "This is real good, especially when you consider that I had to sit out all of last year on injured reserve," Barron told Seahawks.com. "But I'm over that now and moving forward. I'm here to help the team the best way I can." Barron will be in the running for a backup job. Breno Giacomini, who signed a two-year deal after a strong finish to last season, is likely to start at right tackle and the future of 2011 first-rounder James Carpenter is uncertain because of a knee injury he suffered last November. Barron was the 19th overall pick in the 2005 draft but bounced from St. Louis to Dallas to New Orleans but hasn't played in ... Tue, 15 May 2012 17:39:50 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/seahawks_ot_barron_agree_to_deal/10799114 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/seahawks_ot_barron_agree_to_deal/10799114 Seahawks, OT Barron agree to deal http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/seahawks_ot_barron_agree_to_deal/10799114 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/0/70aa8cbd884e682f4fb3fb4e7cfd443598c4b3f0/mini/St_Louis_Rams_9b79.jpg First reported today by Liz Matthews of 710ESPN Seahawks have signed CB Donny Lisowski, T Andrew Mitchell, T Alex Barron and TE Cooper Helfet. Alex Barron you ask? Yes that Alex Barron. The former first round draft choice (19th pick 2005 draft) of the St. Louis Rams. Per the Seahawks press release. Quote: The 6-foot-7, 320-pound Barron participated in the team’s rookie minicamp over the weekend on a tryout basis. He started 74 games in five seasons with the Rams after being the 19th pick overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. After being traded to Dallas in 2010, he made one start for the Cowboys. Barron signed with the Saints last year, but sat out the season after being placed on injured reserve in August with a knee problem and then released in October. “This is real good, especially when you consider that I had to sit out all of last year on injured reserve,” Barron said today after participating in the team’s offseason program workout. “But I’m over that now and moving forward. I’m here to help the te Tue, 15 May 2012 16:54:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/seattle_seahawks_sign_four_players_including_alex_barron/10798697 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/seattle_seahawks_sign_four_players_including_alex_barron/10798697 Seattle Seahawks sign four players including Alex Barron http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/seattle_seahawks_sign_four_players_including_alex_barron/10798697 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/5/45a4f1773dd17852ef4c7f9512371b80ea5e421b/mini/San_Francisco_49ers_1467.jpg Duke Football hasn't had much luck on the football field and that has certainly shown in the NFL Draft.  It has been a long time since the Blue Devils had a player drafted and only one since 2002 has had their named called. Some thought that this year might be the year when that trend changed. Matt Daniels, an All-American safety for the Blue Devils looked like he had a shot of getting drafted but it just didn't happen. When the final name was called Daniels, nor any other former Duke Football player had their named called. But all wasn't lost for Daniels who signed a free agent contract Sunday with the St. Louis Rams. Daniels, a second team All-American and an All-ACC player, played in 46 career games and compiled totals of 324 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, four interceptions, seven caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 27 pass breakups as a Blue Devil. On Duke's all-time records charts, he ranks 13th in tackles, third in caused fumbles and tied for sixth in pass breakups. I wo Sun, 29 Apr 2012 08:43:38 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/former_blue_devil_matt_daniels_signs_with_st_louis_rams/10676453 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/former_blue_devil_matt_daniels_signs_with_st_louis_rams/10676453 Former Blue Devil Matt Daniels Signs with St. Louis Rams http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/former_blue_devil_matt_daniels_signs_with_st_louis_rams/10676453 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Duke fans can follow National Signing Day with live updates and video on GoDuke.com. GoDuke.com’s 2012 Signing Day Central will feature biographical sketches and video highlights of Duke’s signees. Tune in here to keep up-to-date with all the signings and get over to the Washington Duke from 5:30-7 for the Signing Day event with Coach David Cutcliffe! With National Signing Day upon us, the Duke Football program has earned commitments from a number of quality athletes to keep the pool of talent on the roster filled. Unlike basketball, it’s unusual for freshmen to make a large impact in college football but last year a number of them made valuable contributions for the Blue Devils. Out of the 30 players listed as freshmen on Duke’s roster for 2011: Jamison Crowder, Blair Holliday, Britton Grier, David Helton, and Jonathan Woodruff all took some snaps. During the 2012 season you will definitely see some new faces hitting the field as the players who t... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:38:30 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_blue_devils_national_signing_day_offensive_linemen/9702406 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_blue_devils_national_signing_day_offensive_linemen/9702406 Duke Blue Devils National Signing Day: Offensive Linemen http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/duke_blue_devils_national_signing_day_offensive_linemen/9702406 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Beginning at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Duke fans can follow National Signing Day with live updates and video on GoDuke.com. GoDuke.com’s 2012 Signing Day Central will feature biographical sketches and video highlights of Duke’s signees. Tune in here to keep up-to-date with all the signings and get over to the Washington Duke from 5:30-7 for the Signing Day event with Coach David Cutcliffe! With National Signing Day upon us, the Duke Football program has earned commitments from a number of quality athletes to keep the pool of talent on the roster filled. Unlike basketball, it’s unusual for freshmen to make a large impact in college football but last year a number of them made valuable contributions for the Blue Devils. Out of the 30 players listed as freshmen on Duke’s roster for 2011: Jamison Crowder, Blair Holliday, Britton Grier, David Helton, and Jonathan Woodruff all took some snaps. During the 2012 season you will definitely see some new faces hitting the field as the players who t... Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:28:42 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_blue_devils_national_signing_day_offensive_skill_positions/9701875 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_blue_devils_national_signing_day_offensive_skill_positions/9701875 Duke Blue Devils National Signing Day: Offensive Skill Positions http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/duke_blue_devils_national_signing_day_offensive_skill_positions/9701875 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png DURHAM, N.C. - The odds favored Duke on the play. Tight end Cooper Helfet knew it. That's why quarterback Sean... Sun, 20 Nov 2011 01:27:06 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_falls_to_georgia_tech/8211220 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/duke_falls_to_georgia_tech/8211220 Duke falls to Georgia Tech http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/duke_falls_to_georgia_tech/8211220 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- David Sims rushed for two touchdowns, quarterback Tevin Washington added 136 yards rushing and a long, late scoring run, and Georgia Tech held on to beat Duke 38-31 Saturday. Washington finished 6 of 13 for 185 yards passing and ran 39 yards for a late touchdown for the Yellow Jackets (8-3, 5-3 ACC). They rolled up 549 total yards, scored on four straight possessions and held off Duke's late charge to win for just the second time in 1 months. Sean Renfree matched a career high with four touchdown passes for the Blue Devils (3-8, 1-6). His 10-yard TD to Cooper Helfet -- his second of the day to the tight end -- pulled Duke within seven points with 6:37 left. Duke forced a fumble from Charles Perkins and took over at its 34 with 3:44 left. Renfree's deep pass for Helfet was intercepted by Jamea Thomas with 2:20 left. Washington and Georgia Tech then ran out the clock to seal their eighth straight win in the series. Renfree finished 26 of 42 for 250 yards with touchdown passes Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:22:51 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/sims_washington_help_georgia_tech_top_duke_38_31/8202538 http://network.yardbarker.com/all_sports/article_external/sims_washington_help_georgia_tech_top_duke_38_31/8202538 Sims, Washington help Georgia Tech top Duke 38-31 http://www.yardbarker.com/all_sports/articles/sims_washington_help_georgia_tech_top_duke_38_31/8202538 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png DURHAM, N.C. (AP) -- David Sims rushed for two touchdowns, quarterback Tevin Washington added 136 yards rushing and a long, late scoring run, and Georgia Tech held on to beat Duke 38-31 Saturday. Washington finished 6 of 13 for 185 yards passing and ran 39 yards for a late touchdown for the Yellow Jackets (8-3, 5-3 ACC). They rolled up 549 total yards, scored on four straight possessions and held off Duke's late charge to win for just the second time in 1 months. Sean Renfree matched a career high with four touchdown passes for the Blue Devils (3-8, 1-6). His 10-yard TD to Cooper Helfet -- his second of the day to the tight end -- pulled Duke within seven points with 6:37 left. Duke forced a fumble from Charles Perkins and took over at its 34 with 3:44 left. Renfree's deep pass for Helfet was intercepted by Jamea Thomas with 2:20 left. Washington and Georgia Tech then ran out the clock to seal their eighth straight win in the series. Renfree finished 26 of 42 for 250 yards with touchdown passes Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:22:51 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/sims_washington_help_georgia_tech_top_duke_38_31/8202193 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/sims_washington_help_georgia_tech_top_duke_38_31/8202193 Sims, Washington help Georgia Tech top Duke 38-31 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/sims_washington_help_georgia_tech_top_duke_38_31/8202193 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png David Sims rushed for two touchdowns, quarterback Tevin Washington added 136 yards rushing and a long, late scoring run, and Georgia Tech held on to beat Duke 38-31 Saturday. Washington finished 6 of 13 for 185 yards passing and ran 39 yards for a late touchdown for the Yellow Jackets (8-3, 5-3 ACC). They rolled up 549 total yards, scored on four straight possessions and held off Duke's late charge to win for just the second time in 1 1/2 months. Sean Renfree matched a career high with four touchdown passes for the Blue Devils (3-8, 1-6). His 10-yard TD to Cooper Helfet - his second of the day to the tight end - pulled Duke within seven points with 6:37 left. Duke forced a fumble from Charles Perkins and took over at its 34 with 3:44 left. Renfree's deep pass for Helfet was intercepted by Jamea Thomas with 2:20 left. Washington and Georgia Tech then ran out the clock to seal their eighth straight win in the series. Renfree finished 26 of 42 for 250 yards with touchdown passes covering 15 yards t Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:10:08 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/georgia_tech_38_duke_31/8201947 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/georgia_tech_38_duke_31/8201947 Georgia Tech 38, Duke 31 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/georgia_tech_38_duke_31/8201947 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Coach Cutcliffe discusses his team being out of bowl contention and their 5th loss in a row. The Blue Devils come home for Senior Day against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets this Saturday in Wallace Wade at 12:30 on the ACC Network. Duke Football has 20 seniors graduating including K Paul Asack, S Matt Daniels, S Jeffrey Faris, WR Guillermo Freile, TE Ryan Hall, NG Charlie Hatcher, TECooper Helfet, OT Kyle Hill, RB Jay Hollingsworth, K Jeffrey Ijjas, P Alex King, OT Jon Needham, TE Danny Parker, TEGeorge Pearkes, LB Kevin Rojas, WR Preston Scott, K Will Snyderwine, S Josh Trezvant, WR Donovan Varner and CBJohnny Williams. Duke has been practicing for the Georgia Tech offense since their bye week and will need to contain the high powered Yellow Jackets in order to get their 4th win and 2nd ACC win. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:30:05 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/coach_cut_press_conference_111511/8129719 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/coach_cut_press_conference_111511/8129719 Coach Cut Press Conference 11.15.11 http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/coach_cut_press_conference_111511/8129719 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png How do you explain what Duke Football is anymore than a comedy of errors?  If it weren't for bad luck they'd have no luck at all. That was no more evident than their latest loss, a 31-21 defeat at the hands of Virginia. The Blue Devils came into the game in a must win to try to salvage a chance at a bowl game but the loss assures Duke (3-7 1-5 ACC) will not play in the post season for the 17th straight season. And speaking of streaks the Blue Devils extend their losing streak to five and end their winning streak against the Cavaliers, who win for the first time in three seasons. In what was an extremely physical and at times chippy game, Virginia got the best of Duke despite the Blue Devils playing 100 percent better than they had in the previous week against Miami. Still they were unable to avoid many of the same mistakes that have cost them all season. Duke also was unable to avoid the injury bug as Kyle Hill and Jordan Dewalt-Ondijo were lost for the season with injuries. The Blue Devils also Sat, 12 Nov 2011 19:25:31 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/blue_devils_comedy_of_errors_continue_vs_virginia/8052415 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/blue_devils_comedy_of_errors_continue_vs_virginia/8052415 Blue Devil's Comedy of Errors Continue vs Virginia http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/blue_devils_comedy_of_errors_continue_vs_virginia/8052415 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png 1) Again, early plays in this game set the tone as the Hokies had the ball on 3rd and 10 from the Duke 15 yard line on their opening series. They had intercepted Duke QB Sean Renfree and an early score here would have been just the type of play to knock the belief out of the Blue Devils. Unfortunately WR Marcus Davis, who has been alternatively spectacular and lazy, chose Saturday's game to be lazy. He didn't run his route on this play and Duke safety Matt Daniels who has stood out this season and was particularly phenomenal in this game, was all too happy to step up and intercept the ball on the 2 yd-line returning it 40 yards and ending the Hokie threat. If the Hokies come out this flat against Georgia Tech in two weeks, they will get crushed.2) The Hokies were protecting a 14-10 lead but Duke had the ball and a 3rd and 5 from the Hokies' 13 yd-line with 12:45 left in the game. Duke found their TE Cooper Helfet out in the flat with an easy path to the first down and ma... Sun, 30 Oct 2011 17:12:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/3_key_plays_vt_vs_duke/7754812 http://network.yardbarker.com/college_football/article_external/3_key_plays_vt_vs_duke/7754812 3 Key Plays - VT vs. Duke http://www.yardbarker.com/college_football/articles/3_key_plays_vt_vs_duke/7754812 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png