Watch: Duquesne Football Discusses Spring Ball

The Duquesne Football Team had its annual spring event, this year dubbing it the Spring Showcase, which featured a unique format showcasing specific skillsets and offense versus defense with everyone playing.

“It was amazing to get out here, get in these jerseys, have the offense versus defense,” redshirt senior running back JaMario Clements stated. “Of course we had a lot of guys down, but we still had a great practice-type of spring ball, and it was a great showing. We had a lot of people out here and it was great to see these Dukes play on this Rooney Field.”

As Clements mentioned injuries were a reason for the change in style. Despite reports of heavy rain, this never materialized, and fans were able to watch a running clock which ran for nearly three quarters but that was preceded by drills such as kick offs, 1v1, 7v7 and punt returns.

“We’re really happy with the way our guys worked and finished (the spring season) today with a very efficient practice,” coach Jerry Schmitt stated. “We were not able to play an actual game, but our guys handled it really well. We got a lot of reps, got a lot of situations and special teams so we as a staff are very pleased with the work we’ve done through spring practices. It’s important that our players families come and watch us play. You could tell I could hardly get off the field, everyone wanted to say hello and it was great to see them. It was great for them to see their young men play with all of the work they do. It’s a nice day in the spring for Duquesne football.”

Indeed, there will be plenty of competition, especially at the quarterback position as the successor to Darius Perrantes.

Speaking of Perrantes, he assisted on the offensive sideline during the event and by all accounts had a successful pro day both at Duquesne and Pitt’s campuses, one which has Dukes staffers hoping he will either hear his name called or get an invite to a training camp.

From a running back perspective, two years ago Duquesne had a three-headed monster of sorts in Clements, Taj Butts and Eddie Robinson, but Shawn Solomon Jr is a local product from Brashear High School who had an opportunity to get some run last season to the tune of 263 yards and two touchdowns. Now as a junior, his presence makes for a dangerous backfield that compliments each other.

Defensively, the Dukes are in year two under coordinator Mickey Jacobs, who now has the pleasure of having a full off-season after having to take on the role in June and needing to prepare quickly. Players have picked up his system and the results from the spring by all accounts have been encouraging.

PSN’s Zachary Weiss attended the event at a rainy Rooney Field and has more from Clements and Schmitt on the event, early thoughts on the Aug. 30 season opener at Pitt and the changing landscape of spring games.