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2006 Duke Football Signing Class Bios
2/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Bios from the 26 student-athletes who have signed national letters of intent to continue their education at Duke University and join the Blue Devil football program.
William Ball
TE ? 6-3 ? 230
Austin, Texas (Westlake High School)
- Three-year letterman at Westlake High School under coach Derek Long
- Helped Westlake to three-year record of 28-9 with three state playoff berths
- Charted as the 59th-top tight end in the nation by Rivals.com and the 68th-best tight end in the country by Scout.com
- Two-time first team all-district pick
- Named All-Central Texas by Rivals.com
- Served as team captain in senior season
- As a senior, caught 25 passes for 605 yards and eight touchdowns while rushing twice for 24 yards and two additional scores
- Had 18 receptions for 275 yards and four TDs during junior season and 13 grabs for 270 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore
- A three-year starter at tight end, finished career with 56 catches for 1,150 yards and 17 touchdowns
- First team academic all-state selection
- Also participates in track and field, winning the district championship in the discus in 2005
- Hails from same high school as former Duke linebacker Brendan Dewan
- Born June 17, 1987
- Son of William and Teena Ball
- Favorite NFL team is the Dallas Cowboys
- Chose Duke over Stanford, Texas, Tulsa, Yale and Harvard
Sheldon Bell
WR ? 6-4 ? 190
Baltimore, Md. (Baltimore City College High School)
- Three-year letterman at Baltimore City College High School under coach George Petrides
- Helped squad to three-year ledger of 24-9
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- During senior season, team went 11-2, matching the school single-season record for victories, and advanced to the semifinals of the state playoffs
- As a senior, recorded 22 pass receptions for 510 yards and six touchdowns while posting eight interceptions along with a 61-yard punt return for a TD
- Named all-city, all-metro and all-state following senior season
- Hauled in 35 passes for 650 yards and six touchdowns as a junior and had 20 catches for 349 yards and four TDs as a sophomore
- Career numbers included 77 receptions for 1,509 yards and 16 touchdowns along with 16 interceptions defensively
- Also participates in baseball and basketball
- On the diamond, batted .600 with three home runs as a junior while leading the team in batting average, hits, doubles, triples, home runs, on base percentage and stolen bases
- Born October 5, 1988
- Son of Bobby and Paula Bell
- Favorite NFL team is the Seattle Seahawks
- Chose Duke over Virginia, Maryland, Boston College, Georgia Tech, N.C. State and Connecticut
Pontus Bondeson
DT ? 6-6 ? 290
Hoganas, Sweden (Kullagymnasiet High School)
- Four-year letterman at Kullagymnasiet High School
- Twice named team's lineman of the year
- Named the top defensive lineman at the 2004 NFL Europe Youth Camp in Glassgow, Scotland
- Played on the Swedish Junior National Team with fellow Duke signee Marcus Lind and started on the defensive line during the 2004 European Junior Championships in Moscow
- Joined the Swedish Senior National Team in 2005
- Born December 28, 1986
- Son of Jorgen and Gunnel Bondeson
- Favorite NFL team is the Seattle Seahawks
Jeffrey Cowart
OL ? 6-5 ? 290
Forsyth, Ga. (Mary Persons High School)
- Three-year letterman at Mary Persons High School under coach Steve Chafin
- Helped team to three-year mark of 25-10 and three state playoff berths
- Named first team All-Middle Georgia as a senior
- Earned the program's Leadership Award following junior season
- Also participates in basketball and golf
- Finished second individually at the 2004 region golf championships while helping squad to a runner-up regional finish and state playoff appearance in 2005
- Earned the Coaches' Award in both basketball and golf
- Born September 22, 1987
- Son of Cindy and Scott Cowart
- Uncle, Randy Walker, played football at Auburn
- Favorite NFL team is the Washington Redskins
- Chose Duke over Louisville, Tulane, Middle Tennessee State and Ball State
Robert Drum
OL ? 6-6 ? 275
Hoover, Ala. (Spain Park High School)
- Lettered two seasons at Spain Park High School under coach Vince DiLorenzo
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- Following senior season, named all-metro by the Birmingham News while garnering honorable mention all-state honors
- As a junior, helped Spain Park to nine victories and a state playoff berth and was selected to play in the North-South All-Star Game
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Born May 9, 1988
- Son of Millie Kay and Robert Drum
- Father played basketball at Mississippi
- Favorite NFL team is the New England Patriots
- Chose Duke over Auburn, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Clemson, South Carolina and Louisville
Abraham Dukuly
S ? 6-1 ? 205
Staten Island, N.Y. (Tottenville High School)
- Played at Tottenville High School under coach Jim Munson
- Charted as the 11th-top overall prospect in New York by Rivals.com
- Helped squad to a three-year ledger of 31-7
- In senior season, had five interceptions and seven touchdowns including a 100-yard kickoff return
- As a sophomore, helped Tottenville to a 13-0 record and the New York City Class AA championship
- Born March 10, 1988
- Son of Muhammad and Toekplee Kromah
- Chose Duke over Boston College and Maryland
Patrick Egboh
DE ? 6-4 ? 230
Mesquite, Texas (North Mesquite High School)
- Two-year letterman at North Mesquite High School under coach Steven Bragg
- Registered 84 tackles and seven sacks en route to earning all-district honors as a senior
- Also participates in basketball
- Born May 27, 1987
- Son of Patrick and Bibian Egboh
- Brother, Pannel, plays football at Stanford
- Favorite NFL team is the Dallas Cowboys
- Chose Duke over Stanford, Mississippi State, Baylor, Tulane and Louisiana Tech
Catron Gainey
S ? 6-2 ? 195
Hephzibah , Ga. (Hephzibah High School)
- Three-year letterman at Hephzibah High School under coach John Bowen
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- In senior campaign, logged 84 tackles, four interceptions and three sacks while earning first team all-area honors from the Augusta Chronicle
- Had 85 tackles and one interception as a junior
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Born September 18, 1987
- Son of Cliford and Glenda Gainey
- Attended same high school as current Blue Devil Fred Roland
- Favorite NFL team is the Minnesota Vikings
- Chose Duke over Georgia Tech, Auburn, Vanderbilt and Navy
Brandon Harper
DT ? 6-3 ? 285
Alpharetta, Ga. (Milton High School)
- Two-year letterman at Milton High School under coach Theo Caldwell
- Had 50 tackles and two sacks during senior season
- Born March 8, 1988
- Son of Jacqueline Malone
- Favorite NFL team is the Atlanta Falcons
- Chose Duke over Air Force
Andrew Holoman
LB ? 6-2 ? 225
Ashburn, Va. (Stone Bridge High School)
- Played at Stone Bridge High School under coach Mickey Thompson
- Recorded 79 tackles as a senior to receive first team all-state honors from the Associated Press (Class AAA)
- In 2005, helped Stone Bridge to a 12-2 overall record, the Division 5 Northern Region championship and a berth in the state finals
- Also earned first team All-Liberty District accolades
- Named second team all-metro by the Washington Post
- Tabbed one of Virginia's top 30 overall prospects by The Daily Progress
- Also participates in basketball
- Born February 18, 1988
- Son of Bryan and Gwendolyn Holoman
- Chose Duke over Virginia and Georgia Tech
Jarrod Holt
OL ? 6-6 ? 300
Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater High School)
- Four-year letterman at Clearwater High School under coach Tom Bostic
- Helped team to district championships in 2002 and 2003
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- Ranked as the nation's 48th-best offensive tackle by Rivals.com
- During senior season, served as team captain and received first team all-county and team most valuable offensive player honors
- Selected to play in the Pinellas County All-Star Game and earned most valuable lineman of the game accolades
- Tabbed Clearwater's Outstanding Offensive Player as a junior
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Helped basketball squad to a 27-2 record and state runner-up finish in 2005 and district crown in 2006
- Born July 27, 1988
- Son of Joe and Abby Holt
- Both parents were student-athletes at Furman (father ? football; mother ? basketball, tennis & volleyball)
- Brother, Joe, played football at Virginia while brother, Jon, is a current member of the gridiron program at N.C. State
- Favorite NFL team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Chose Duke over Clemson, N.C. State, West Virginia, Wake Forest and Vanderbilt
Brett Huffman
TE ? 6-5 ? 235
Massillon, Ohio (Massillon Washington High School)
- Three-year letterman at Massillon Washington High School under coach Tom Stacy
- Tabbed as the 49th-best tight end in the country by Scout.com
- Charted as the 54th-top tight end in the nation and the 40th-best overall prospect in Ohio by Rivals.com
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- Named all-district, all-county and all-Ohio following senior season
- Selected to play in the Ohio North-South All-Star Game
- Caught 26 passes for 355 yards and four touchdowns as squad went 13-2 and won the state championship in senior campaign
- Had 24 receptions for 266 yards and two TDs as a junior and 12 grabs for 218 yards and one touchdown during sophomore year
- Closed career with 62 catches for 839 yards and seven TDs
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Member of the National Honor Society
- Born August 15, 1987
- Son of Jeff and Karen Huffman
- Father played football at the University of Findlay
- Favorite NFL team is the New York Giants
- Chose Duke over Arizona State, Michigan, Michigan State, Syracuse, Illinois, Toledo and Cincinnati
Kevin Jones
P ? 6-3 ? 185
Austin, Texas (James Bowie High School)
- Three-year letterman at James Bowie High School under coach Jeff Ables
- Listed as the fourth-top punter in the nation by Scout.com
- Named first team all-district in 2005 after averaging 39.1 yards per punt with 11 kicks downed inside the opponents' 20 yard line
- As a junior, booted nine-of-11 field goals and averaged 39.3 yards per punt to receive first team all-district honors
- Helped squad to state playoff appearance during junior season
- Three-time academic all-district selection
- Born September 7, 1987
- Son of Jerry and Julie Jones
- Favorite NFL team is the Dallas Cowboys
- Chose Duke over Baylor, Louisville and Akron
Brandon King
FB ? 6-2 ? 240
Doylestown, Pa. (Central Bucks West High School)
- Three-year letterman at C.B. West High School under coaches Randy Cuthbert (2003-04) and Chris Felton (2005)
- All-America selection by PrepStar magazine
- Listed as the second-best fullback in the nation by Rivals.com and the 36th-top overall running back by Scout.com
- Also tabbed as the 16th-best overall prospect in Pennsylvania by Rivals.com
- Charted as the third-top fullback in the nation by ESPN.com
- As a senior, rushed 113 times for 621 yards and seven touchdowns and earned all-league honors
- In junior season, rushed for 651 yards and nine touchdowns on 90 atttempts as team went 9-2 and advanced to the state playoffs
- Rushed 126 times for 625 yards and three TDs as a sophomore
- Finished career with 1,897 yards and 19 touchdowns
- Also participates in basketball
- Born June 23, 1987
- Son of Charles and Linda King
- Cuthbert, a C.B. West graduate, was a standout running back at Duke from 1988-92, earning All-ACC honors in 1989 as the Blue Devils won the ACC championship and he currently ranks third on Duke's all-time rushing list with 2,771 career yards
- Favorite NFL team is the Philadelphia Eagles
- Chose Duke of Oklahoma, Georgia Tech, Minnesota and Syracuse
Mitchell Lederman
OL ? 6-8 ? 320
Brodhead, Wisc. (Brodhead High School)
- Three-year letterman at Brodhead High School under coach James Matthys
- Helped team to three-year ledger of 28-12 with three state playoff appearances
- All-region choice by PrepStar magazine
- Charted as the sixth-top prospect in Wisconsin by Rivals.com
- As a senior, named first team All-Rock Valley Conference at both offensive and defensive tackle
- Earned all-area accolades at offensive and defensive tackle from both the Beloit Daily News and Monroe Evening Times
- First team all-region choice at offensive tackle by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association and honorable mention all-state pick by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- During senior season, helped Brodhead rush for 317 yards per game while carding 30 tackles and three tackles for loss
- Served as team captain
- First team all-area pick as a junior by the Beloit Daily News
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Born January 16, 1988
- Son of Lon and Michelle Lederman
- Father played basketball at Wisconsin-LaCrosse
- Favorite NFL team is the Green Bay Packers
- Chose Duke over Wisconsin, Indiana, Northwestern, Northern Illinois and Ball State
Thaddeus Lewis
QB ? 6-2 ? 190
Hialeah Lakes, Fla. (Hialeah Miami Lakes High School)
- Played at Hialeah Miami Lakes High School under coach Jerry Hughes
All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
Charted as the 10th-best dual threat quarterback in the nation and the 60th-top overall prospect in Florida by Rivals.com - Listed as the 65th-top overall quarterback in the country by Scout.com
- As a senior, passed for 1,237 yards and 12 touchdowns against just three interceptions as team went 6-3 and advanced to the state playoffs
- Born November 19, 1987
- Son of Renee Holmes
- Chose Duke over Michigan State, Pittsburgh, South Florida and Texas Christian
Marcus Lind
OL ? 6-4 ? 285
Gavle, Sweden (St. Thomas Aquinas [Fla.] High School)
- Lettered one season at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., under coach George Smith
- Named the 60th-best offensive lineman in the nation by Scout.com
- Charted as the 48th-top offensive guard in the country and the 82nd-best overall prospect in Florida by Rivals.com
- Helped St. Thomas Aquinas to 13-1 record and state runner-up finish in 2005
- Graded out over 90 percent on offense while registering 56 tackles and four sacks on the defensive front
- Attended same high school as current Blue Devil Joe Surgan
- Lettered two seasons at Vasa Skolan High School under coach Ulf Eriksson, helping team to two-year record of 21-4
- Played on the Swedish Junior National Team in 2004 with fellow Duke signee Pontus Bondeson
- Also played hockey at Vasa Skolan High School
- Born July 10, 1987
- Son of Lennart and Agnetha Lind
- Favorite NFL team is the Miami Dolphins
- Chose Duke over Miami, Auburn, Virginia, N.C. State, Mississippi State, Tennessee and South Carolina
John Lubischer
TE ? 6-4 ? 250
Boca Raton, Fla. (Boca Raton High School)
- Played at Boca Raton High School under coach Rick Swain
- Ranked as the 43rd-top tight end in the country by Rivals.com
- Helped team to eight wins and state playoff berth in senior season by catching 20 passes for 290 yards
- As a junior, had 40 tackles and two sacks
- Prep teammate of fellow Duke signee Tyler Rice
- Born August 15, 1987
- Son of John Lubischer and Yolanda Ramos
- Chose Duke over N.C. State, Clemson and Mississippi
Wesley Oglesby
DE ? 6-6 ? 235
Arlington, Texas (Grace Preparatory Christian Academy)
- Four-year letterman at Grace Preparatory Christian Academy under coach Mike Barber
- Listed as the nation's 27th-top weakside defensive end by Rivals.com and the 60th-best overall defensive end in the country by Scout.com
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- Helped squad to four-year record of 38-10 with three state titles in the Texas Association of Private & Parochial Schools
- During senior season, earned first team all-state and district MVP honors after recording 76 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 11 sacks
- Also named first team all-district punter after averaging 37.1 yards per kick on 35 boots
- As a junior, had 88 tackles, 20 tackles for loss and 10 sacks while punting for a 34.6 average en route to receiving first team all-state honors at defensive line and second team all-state accolades at both offensive line and punter
- Named the district's Newcomer of the Year and first team all-district and all-state on defense after sophomore campaign that included 35 tackles
- Received the U.S. Congressional Award Gold Medal in 2005, presented by the U.S. Congress to young Americans who participated in 400 hours of public service, 200 hours of personal development goals, 200 hours of physical fitness goals and a four-night expedition
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Earned first team all-district and first team all-state honors on the hardwood as a junior
- Helped track and field team to state championship in 2004
- Born April 29, 1987
- Son of Janet and Marc Oglesby
- Favorite NFL team is the Green Bay Packers
- Chose Duke over Oklahoma State, California, Texas Tech, Texas Christian and Baylor
Ifreke Okpokowuruk
DT ? 6-1 ? 270
Charlotte, N.C. (The McCallie [Tenn.] School)
- Played at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn., under coach Ralph Potter
- Helped team to 15-7 overall record and two state playoff appearances in final two seasons
- Holds school record in the power clean at 320 pounds
- Born March 4, 1989
- Son of Helen and Paul Okpokowuruk
- Brother of current Blue Devil Ayanga Okpokowuruk
Matt Pridemore
CB ? 6-0 ? 185
Gainesville, Ga. (Buford High School)
- Four-year letterman at Buford High School under coaches Dexter Wood (2002-04) and Jess Simpson (2005)
- Helped Buford to four-year ledger of 55-3 with state championships in both 2002 and 2003
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- As a senior, rushed 132 times for 1,300 yards and 20 touchdowns to earn all-county and all-area honors
- Also participates in track and field, finishing third in the state in the 200-meters and fifth in the state in the 400-meters as a junior
- Attended same high school with current Blue Devils Zach Smith and Ryan Wood
- Born July 9, 1987
- Son of Leigh and Tom Pridemore
- Father played football at West Virginia and with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons
- Favorite NFL team is the Atlanta Falcons
- Chose Duke over Clemson, West Virginia, Hawaii, Air Force and Furman
Vincent Rey
LB ? 6-0 ? 255
Far Rockaway, N.Y. (Bayside High School & Mercersburg [Pa.] Aca.)
- Lettered one season at Mercersburg Academy under coach Dan Walker
- Listed as the 77th-best linebacker in the nation by Scout.com
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- Logged 94 tackles, five sacks and one interception while helping Mercersburg to a 9-1 record and league championship
- Played for Joe Capuana at Bayside High School
- Born September 6, 1987
- Son of Lemuel and Caldine Rey
Tyler Rice
LB ? 6-3 ? 245
Boca Raton, Fla. (Boca Raton High School)
- Lettered three seasons (2002-04) at St. Andrew's School under coach George McCartin and one season (2005) at Boca Raton High School under coach Rick Swain
- Charted as the 46th-top inside linebacker in the nation by Rivals.com
- Tabbed the 32nd-best defensive end in the country by Scout.com
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- At St. Andrew's, helped team to 19 wins over three years and, as a junior, recorded 129 tackles and five caused fumbles to receive first team all-city and first team all-county honors
- In senior season at Boca Raton, had 71 tackles and six sacks while helping squad to an 8-4 season and state playoff berth
- Named First Team All-Palm Beach County following senior campaign
- Prep teammate of fellow Duke signee John Lubischer
- Also participates in basketball and lacrosse
- Born September 29, 1987
- Son of Michael Rice and Teri Hagen
- Grandfather, Raymond Hagen, played football at the University of Washington and Navy
- Favorite NFL team is the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Chose Duke over Michigan, Florida, Miami, UCLA, Stanford and Boston College
Jeremy Ringfield
WR ? 6-5 ? 200
Lovejoy, Ga. (Luella High School)
- Four-year letterman at Luella High School under coach Paul Burgdorf
- All-region selection by PrepStar magazine
- Registered 42 receptions for 674 yards and five touchdowns as a senior to earn first team all-county and honorable mention all-state honors
- Had 38 catches for 447 yards and four touchdowns during junior season and 13 grabs for 197 yards and two TDs as a sophomore
- Finished career with 93 receptions for 1,318 yards and 11 TDs
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Born December 11, 1987
- Son of Eddie and Sherri Ringfield
- Favorite NFL team is the Atlanta Falcons
- Chose Duke over Maryland
Chris Rwabukamba
CB ? 6-0 ? 175
Windsor, Ontario, Canada (Herman High School)
- Lettered three seasons at Herman High School under coach Harry Lumley
- Helped Herman to a three-year record of 23-7
- Charted as the 78th-top cornerback prospect by Scout.com
- As a senior, rushed for 100 or more yards in nine games, scored 17 touchdowns and received first team all-city honors as Herman posted a 9-2 overall record
- Three-time first team all-city selection
- Finished career with 33 total touchdowns
- Also participates in basketball and track and field
- Two-time all-city choice on the hardwood while leading Herman to a pair of city championships and one regional title
- Originally from Rwanda
- Born January 5, 1987
- Favorite NFL team is the New England Patriots
- Chose Duke over Stanford, Illinois and Michigan State
Leon Wright
CB ? 5-9 ? 165
St. Petersburg, Fla. (Northeast High School)
- Three-year letterman at Northeast High School under coach Jerry Austin
- Listed as the 64th-top cornerback in the country by Scout.com
- Earned first team all-county and all-conference honors as a senior after rushing for 1,290 yards and 13 touchdowns while recording 71 tackles and four interceptions
- In junior season, had 69 tackles and six interceptions to garner first team all-county accolades
- Named first team all-county as a sophomore following a 58-tackle, nine-interception campaign while helping squad to the district crown
- Also participates in basketball, serving as team captain
- Born September 4, 1987
- Son of Kayla and Leon Wright
- Favorite NFL team is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Chose Duke over West Virginia, Iowa State and South Florida
Players Mentioned
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CB
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