Duke Football: Thomas Sirk’s quick recovery crucial for Blue Devils

Duke football won its first bowl game since 1960 last year. They should be in position for another bowl appearance. But, they will need senior quarterback Thomas Sirk to heal from his offseason Achilles injury.

Duke football’s recent resurgence is mostly credited to quarterback guru head coach David Cutcliffe. His most recent prodigy is senior Thomas Sirk. Sirk finally took Duke to new heights by winning their first bowl in 56 years. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils, he suffered a torn Achilles in February.

A recent ESPN report stated that Sirk is ahead of schedule in his return from the injury. This is obviously a good sign for Blue Devil fans, but an Achilles injury is no joke. They typically can keep a player out for the entire season. The timing of the injury was lucky because it happened in February giving him a lot of time to heal.

Cutcliffe has been a miracle worker with Duke quarterbacks especially in their final year at the helm. Thaddeus Lewis, Sean Renfree and Anthony Boone‘s best seasons were their final seasons in Durham. Sirk’s senior season is vital to Duke football’s success.

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Last season, he did it all for the Blue Devils. He was efficient passer throwing for 2,824 yards, 16 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. But his damage on the ground was more impressive adding 809 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 5.0 yards per carry.

The biggest problem with his injury is that his running ability might take a hit. He was the Blue Devils leading rusher and losing him would take a dimension out of their offense.

Sirk led Duke football to its third consecutive winning season going 7-5. His prize for Cutcliffe’s third consecutive winning season was the ever-elusive bowl win against Indiana.

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Cutcliffe has a solid backup in Parker Boehme, but he isn’t Sirk. Boehme doesn’t have the athleticism or experience that Sirk has. Duke’s 2016 offensive success will go only as far as Sirk can take it.