The Duke football team lost its offensive leader when quarterback Thomas Sirk re-tore his Achilles tendon just before the start of the season. Now, the Blue Devils are without their leader on defense as well. Senior safety DeVon Edwards, a three-time All-America kick returner, will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee during Saturday’s 38-35 upset of Notre Dame in South Bend. As a redshirt senior, the injury ends Edwards’ college football career. “We’re very saddened for DeVon and his family,” Duke coach David Cutcliffe said in a release. “He is a great leader. He is absolutely a great player and a great person. He’ll have to have an impact like Thomas has. Thomas has been an inspiration for us all; certainly to the team. Now we have another captain thrust into that role. We are with DeVon every step of the way through this.” Edwards hurt his knee during a 21-yard kickoff return in the first half of Saturday’s victory. An MRI performed upon Duke’s return home confirmed the severity of his injury. He will undergo surgery at a date to be determined. Dr. Claude T. Moorman III, the Blue Devils’ team physician, will perform the operation. Edwards finishes his 44-game career at Duke with 327 tackles, 10.5 sacks, five interceptions, six caused fumbles and 21 pass breakups. He was recognized as an All-ACC defensive back in each of the past two years. He also returned six kickoffs for touchdowns, breaking the school record and falling just one short of the NCAA record of seven held by Clemson’s C.J. Spiller and Houston’s Tyron Carrier. In addition to his accomplishments on the field, Edwards also earned academic All-America honors last season and is a three time Academic All-ACC selection. He has already earned his undergraduate degree in psychology and certificate in markets and management and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in liberal studies.
