What comes to mind when you think of Duke athletic stars? Images of J.J. Redick's sweet shooting touch, Shelden Williams's stellar moves in the low post and Chris Duhons's ball distribution skills might flash through your head.
Basketball is king in Durham, N.C. However, there are still other sports at Duke. John Talley, a quiet and unassuming cornerback on Duke's unheralded football team, is making a name for himself and Duke football by leading the mighty ACC football conference in interceptions.
Talley has been an integral component of the Blue Devils' (1-5, 0-3 ACC) defensive unit. Against Maryland, Talley picked off an errant pass thrown by Terrapins quarterback Joel Stathum and ran the ball back 85 yards for a touchdown. His first interception of the year came against the University of Connecticut. He intercepted UCONN quarterback Dan Orlovsky's pass and returned it 62 yards for the score. Talley has six career interceptions and his latest came this past weekend in Duke's 24-7 loss to Georgia Tech.
"He sees the ball real well," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "He's got a feel for the patterns and the passing lanes."
Talley is modest when discussing his accomplishments.
"No, I'm just kind of surprised," Talley said when asked if he ever expected to lead the league in interceptions. "I just like to go out and work hard."
Duke has not won the ACC championship since 1989 and has not been to a bowl game since 1994. The Blue Devils have not won a bowl game since the 1960 Cotton Bowl. Talley expresses confidence that Duke can return to a bowl game before he graduates.
"We've got a very good chance," Talley said. "Sometimes we don't get enough credit, but we've got a good team."
Duke's stellar academic reputation played an important role in Talley's decision to attend the university.
"One of the reasons I came to Duke was for the strong academics," Talley said.
Talley thinks about his football preparations constantly, even during his free time.
"I just sit around my room and chill, focusing on football," Talley said. "I watch game film to get motivated."
Duke's defense will have its hands full this weekend when the Cavaliers travel south to Wallace Wade Stadium. Despite last weekend's blowout loss to Florida State, Virginia still boasts some of the gaudiest offensive statistics in the conference.
"They have a good offense both running and passing," Talley said. "They've been No. 1 in both categories for most of the season."
Despite Talley's demonstrated abilities, the Cavaliers will not shy away from throwing the ball his way.
"We can't use just half the field," Groh said. "That's only 25 yards and that's not enough space."
In order to compete with the Cavaliers, Duke will have to play flawlessly. Talley is well aware of this fact.
"We need to commit few penalties and go out and execute," he said.
So now when you think of Duke, don't just think basketball. Show a little love to the Duke football team and remember John Talley's name.
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