The Duke Blue Devils are looking to take another major step forward in Coach David Cutcliffe's second season at the helm. In Year One of the Cutcliffe regime, the Blue Devils won four games, matching the previous three seasons' combined total.

There is cause for optimism in 2009. The offense is led by senior quarterback Thaddeus Lewis, who earned second-team All-ACC honors in 2008. On defense, tackle Vince Oghobaase and linebacker Vincent Rey both are forces with which to be reckoned.

The Blue Devils do have a ton of talent to replace. Linebacker Michael Tauliili had over 90 tackles in each of his four seasons in Durham, including a league-high 140 last season. Receiver Eron Riley led Duke in receiving each of the last three seasons, and had 144 catches over the course of his career. While the loss of those two and eight other starters is cause for concern, the light of optimism has not been brighter in Durham since Steve Spurrier's departure in 1989.

Quarterback Thaddeus Lewis

Quarterbacks: The strength of the 2009 Duke team, without a doubt. Lewis boasted a .621 completion percentage with 15 touchdown passes in 2008. Redshirt freshman backup Sean Renfree was highly sought after by many top programs coming out of high school, and he chose Duke due to Coach Cutcliffe's reputation for producing stars at the quarterback position (think Peyton and Eli Manning).

Running Backs: Sophomore Jay Hollingsworth returns after leading the team with 399 rushing yards last season. This position is also upgraded by the return of Re'quan Boyette, who missed 2008 with an ACL injury. True freshman Desmond Scott, ranked as high as No. 5 all-purpose back from the 2009 recruiting class, should get looks at running back, in the slot and in the return game.

Receivers/Tight Ends: Offsetting the loss of Riley will be difficult, but not impossible with some of the young talent in place. Sophomore Johnny Williams had 30 catches a season ago as a true freshman, and Donovan Varner contributed 21 after moving over from the defensive side. True sophomore Austin Kelly, at 6-foot-3, is a possession target. Look for redshirt freshman Tony Foster, true freshman Tyree Watkins and junior Sheldon Bell to catch a few of Lewis' passes as well. At tight end, junior Brett Huffman is penciled in as the starter.

Offensive Line: Since 2004, the best yards per carry average the Blue Devils have attained was a 3.2 clip in 2005. Last year Duke ranked 11th in the ACC in rushing offense. The loss of three starters, including three-year starter Cameron Goldberg, will be tough to overcome. Center Bryan Morgan and left tackle Kyle Hill return, along with a medley of experienced reserves who will fight it out for the other three spots. The good news is that the returnees will have benefit of continuity in Cutcliffe's scheme for a second season.

Linebacker Vince Ohgobaase

Defensive Line: Call this unit the Blue Devils' 'O' unit. Confused as to why? Three words: Oghobaase, Okpokowuruk, Oglesby. The aforementioned Ohgobaase will command double teams in his final season in Durham before a long career in the NFL. Ayanga Okpokowuruk and Wesley Oglesby shared an end spot last year, with Okpokowuruk emerging after Oglesby was lost in midseason. Together, they will make a solid pair on the end. Look for senior Kinney Rucker to man the nose tackle spot. He should have plenty of opportunities to put up numbers playing next to Ohgobaase, the star of this defense.

Linebackers: Duke must replace all-time great Taulilli here, as well as strongside linebacker Marcus Jones. Although this position is a question mark, Rey seems a lock to have over 100 tackles for his third straight season. Some combination of juniors Damian Thornton, Abraham Kromah, Andrew Holoman, Adam Banks, and Michael Tooley will likely man the other two spots. Freshman August Campbell seems to be the most likely underclassman to emerge at the position.

Defensive Backs: The Devils are thin in the secondary. Senior corner Leon Wright started as a sophomore and junior before suffering an injury after six games a season ago. His return and the emergence of sophomore Lee Butler guarantee the team at least two reliable corners. Some of the Blue Devils' seven true freshman defensive backs are likely to see playing time this season. Among the leading underclassmen are Matt Daniels, who had 22 tackles and an interception as a true freshman in 2008, and redshirt freshman Jordon Byas. Free Safety is covered by two-year starter Catron Gainey. The senior had 66 tackles last season and his size is useful in run support.

Special Teams

One of Duke's strengths is its kicking game, as junior Nick Maggio converted 11 of 14 field goal attempts a year ago, and Kevin Jones averaged 40.8 yards per punt. Lee Butler has experience at punt returner, but watch for one of the younger skill position players - Scott the most likely - to take over as the primary returner.

Prediction

Blue Devil fans have good reason to be cautiously optimistic about 2009. The offense returns loads of talent, but will need to fill the holes on the offensive line and have them gel quickly. Defensively, the story is similar with returning, experienced talent in Oghobaase, Rey, Wright and Gainey, seniors looking to go out with a bowl appearance.

Duke will need to build momentum early, opening with its four non-conference games including two on the road (at Army and at Kansas), before entering its league schedule which includes the entire Coastal Divisions and preseason picks three through five from the congested Atlantic Division. While the full fruit may be a year or two away, expect to see Cutcliffe's efforts on the recruiting trail blossom as the program takes the next step.