Depth Chart Notables: Week 6

With the slate of preseason games now in the books, the Blue Devils are ready to open up the 2009 ACC regular season. The first match up will easily be Duke's toughest test to date as the Virginia Tech Hokies come calling to Wallace Wade. TDD runs down the depth chart and injuries.

Injury Report:

• RB Jay Hollingsworth (ankle) -- Probable
• OT Jarrod Holt (concussion) -- Probable
• RB Kyle Griswould (leg) -- OUT
• CB Randez James (hand) -- OUT
• LB Abraham Kromah (leg) -- OUT
• WR Tyree Watkins (leg) -- OUT
• S Anthony Young-Wiseman (knee) -- OUT FOR SEASON

The biggest news is that the Blue Devils will be without starting outside linebacker Abraham Kromah for this game. On the season Kromah is the team's second leading tackler with 32 stops. Additionally the Blue Devils expect to see runningback Jay Hollingsworth back to near full speed after missing the Virginia Tech game along with offensive tackle Jarrod Holt also returns after missing last week.

Depth Chart Shakeups:

• The loss of Kromah means junior Adam Banks or true freshman Tyree Glover will get the nod opposite Damian Thornton on the outside while anchor MLB Vincent Rey will remain at his post in the middle.
• With Hollingsworth being limited, the depth chart indicates that redshirt freshman Patrick Kurunwune and true freshman Desmond Scott are the backups to fifth year senior starter Re'quan Boyette.
• A very interesting development appears to have occurred at receiver where true freshman Conner Vernon is now listed on the depth chart as a starter over sophomore Johnny Williams. Williams is listed as the top backup. Austin Kelly and Donovan Varner are listed as the two other starting receivers.
• The offensive line depth chart has changed again as Jon Needham will make his second career start at right tackle. He will be backed up by Rob Drum which suggests that while Holt is improving, he's not ready for primetime just yet.
• Brandon Harper makes his second consecutive start at left guard beside Kyle Hill. He is backed up by former first teamer, Mitch Lederman.
• Not that was any doubt, but kicked Will Snyderwine is now listed as the starter over Nick Maggio. For the previous five weeks, the two had been listed as co-starters. That appears to have been put to rest after the walk-on's performance against Virginia Tech.
• On special teams, Desmond Scott is no longer listed as a kick off returner. Instead, Vernon has moved over with Johnny Williams as the two kick returners. Williams retains punt returner duties against this week, backed up by safety Walt Canty.