The Phantom steps into Duke football spotlight

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network
Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

DURHAM, N.C. – If you look into the closet of the Duke Blue Devils’ newly minted starting quarterback Brandon Connette, in addition to football pads and hockey sticks, you’d probably find a blue cape and mask monogramed with the letter P on it.

It’s the wardrobe that the unassuming and clean-cut redshirt junior has worn many times throughout his career at Duke.

On the roster he’s appeared a quarterback, the position he was recruited for, but by game time he’s assumed different roles and become the Phantom, one who additionally plays the running back, wide receiver and tight end positions when needed.

Opposing defenses have known they would see him at some point, but were never sure how often and when.

That decision was always left at the discretion of head coach David Cutcliffe.

Connette’s scored 26 career touchdowns (18 rushing, 7 passing, 1 receiving) to date and currently sits third on Duke’s list for rushing scores by a pivot.

As a quarterback, he’s only started one game and it was as a freshman back in 2010 against the Miami Hurricanes when he finished 4-of-6 for 30 yards and a touchdown.

At the time, Cutcliffe had other quarterbacks ahead of Connette on the depth chart, recently graduated Sean Renfree and this year’s starter, Anthony Boone.

However, he the coach wanted to utilize the exceptional athleticism, strength and grit that he possessed to benefit the Blue Devils in every game.

Thus, he helped him to assume the identity of the Phantom, coming in at various times, mostly in Wildcat formations, to take short-yardage snaps to rush, pass, or even catch the ball to score touchdowns – whatever was needed to help the team win.

After teammate and close friend Boone suffered a fractured right clavicle injury against Memphis during the second quarter of the Blue Devils’ 28-14 road win last weekend, the Phantom had to step in not just to finish a scoring drive or two, but to finish the rest of the game.

Connette did exceptionally well in doing so.

“It was an A-plus,” Cutcliffe said of the utility quarterback’s performance against the Tigers.

“There were no operation issues, no snap issues, cadence issues, signal issues, formation issues. He moved the ball well, he threw the ball accurately and made (good) exchanges with the backs.”

Since that game, Connette is no longer the Phantom that comes in periodically from the sidelines.

He has revealed his true identity and will be leading the Blue Devils while Boone recovers.

He knows he has the support of his teammates to get the job done too.

“I just think they have a tremendous amount of confidence in me,” Connette said.

“Being on the field the last couple of years so much has really helped.”

He will lead the Blue Devils against their first ACC opponent of the season, the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and make his second career start at Wallace Wade Stadium on Saturday.

The Phantom will no longer be in the shadows, but in the spotlight, looking to help the Blue Devils extend their current undefeated streak to three games.