Damane Man on Defense
September 11, 2003 | Football
Although his statistics may lack some sex appeal, Duckett isn't lacking in ability. He has played in all 36 of the Pirates' gridiron wars the past three seasons and is looking to play in an additional 13 games in 2003, which would put Duckett playing in his third bowl game. That feat that would not have been attainable had he not taken care of his academic work when he arrived on campus.
A first team Associated Press all-state player at North Davidson High School, Duckett was a highly rated prep prospect in 1999. However, his academic career didn't flourish as well as his playing career and he was admitted to East Carolina University as a non-qualifier.
The Clemmons, N.C., native spent a lot of time adjusting to college life and learning how to balance out his own life academically, athletically and socially. After he discovered how organize his time, Duckett got on the right track toward graduation.
"At first it was hard to adjust because I didn't how to divide my time," he stated. "Now I have a better feel of how to spend my time and focus my energy. From my freshman year to now, I have a better balance of what to do and when to it."
As a non-qualifier, Duckett had to earn his degree by the end of his fourth academic year in order to be eligible to compete on the football field this fall. Duckett proudly earned his bachelor's degree in communications this past summer and is poised to have a tremendous senior year.
With so many items on his agenda, Duckett acknowledges that he wouldn't be where he is today if it hadn't been for the help of the people inside ECU's Student Development Program, especially Assistant Athletics Director Darrell Bryant.
"I give Mrs. Bryant a lot of credit because she stuck with me and understood what I needed to do," said Duckett. "She pushed me out there and then I took over from where she started and pushed myself along. I'm very happy to have my degree and am ready to focus on my football career right now."
Having already earned his bachelor's degree, Duckett is giving his undivided attention to excelling at the game he loves and feels that his final season wearing a Pirate uniform could be very special. As part of a defensive unit that returns only five starters, Duckett knows that the side of football he plays on is very young, but is ready to meet all challenges head on.
"I think the defense has come a long way since the spring," he said. "We have a lot of young guys that are hungry, that want to play and do their best. I really believe we are going to have a great season."
Duckett's enthusiasm and energy not only comes from within himself, but it is also a by-product of the passion exuberated by the new coaching staff. First-year head coach John Thompson and his staff have produced an infectious level of vigor among the ECU players that Duckett believes will give the Pirates a big lift.
"Coach Thompson pushes us everyday to become like warriors. I think he went from turning Pirates into warriors and he's going to turn warriors back into Pirates. I think we're going to go out there and dominate every time we get on the field."
As a junior in 2002, Duckett put up the best statistical numbers of his career, recording 45 tackles, second most among ECU defensive linemen. He was also credited with eight pass deflections, second most on the team. As a senior, he realizes that expectations regarding his performance are at an all-time high and that both coaches and teammates anticipate a big year from him.
"I'm going to sellout every game to help us win and do whatever I have to do," Duckett explained. "I understand that people are expecting me to get a lot of sacks and tackles, but winning is most important and I'm going to do whatever I have to do in order to make that happen."
Every student-athlete dreams of closing out his or her collegiate career with a championship and going on to compete professionally and Duckett isn't any different. He has the size and the ability to play in the National Football League and just wants an opportunity after the season.
"One of my main goals in life is to play in the NFL," he stated. "That is why I play college football. I don't think anybody would put themselves through five years of two-a-day practices, getting up at six o'clock in morning during the summer for conditioning and not have aspirations of playing professional football."
His college career has been full of triumphant moments on the football field including wins over ninth-ranked Miami in Raleigh and a galleryfurniture.com Bowl victory against Texas Tech. However, it is a game that Duckett didn't even play in that he holds closest to his heart.
"I really got the feel of the college atmosphere when we played NC State here in 1999. The crowd was so supportive of the team and just seeing the way ECU fans get behind the team is just crazy. The fans will always be the most memorable to me."
At no time was the fans' love for Duckett more evident than when he joined the Pirate basketball team during the 2001-02 season. Although his playing time was limited, his presence was a force to be reckoned with. His most significant action came against Louisville as helped ECU to its first-ever Conference USA victory, scoring two points and grabbing two rebounds in nine minutes. Duckett played in nine games and contributed seven points and 10 rebounds during the year.
"The attention was fun and it was cool to go out there and have people chant your name. I've never seen Minges Coliseum packed like that and having the fans react to me the way they did was real exciting."
When he's not being an athlete, Duckett likes just being a normal student and relaxing. The owner of two pit bulls, Duckett enjoys playing with his dogs, reading and listening to music in his spare time. Those things help him to unwind, but it his desire to excel and see others happy that drives him.
"When I see that my parents and friends are excited about my playing and doing what makes me happy and that is what makes them happy, then that is what motivates me."
Involved with sports from an early age, Duckett could always be found in some type of after-school sports program whether it be at the Boys and Girls Club or scholastically. Duckett's parents always encouraged him to be active in school and involved with athletics and were always in attendance at his games.
"They always wanted the best for me," Duckett said. "They always came and supported me as younger child and that meant a lot to me. They just wanted to see me happy and now that is all I want for them."
As Duckett prepares to write the final chapter of his collegiate career, he is looking forward to the opportunity to be a leader on this football team and displaying the character of a championship player.
"I understand that guys really look up to me and come to me for advice and that's the type of person I feel that I am?one who will give them that extra push when they need it. I feel like I have the leadership qualities to lead this team to great things this year."
