Michigan State University Athletics
Q&A With Clifford Dukes
8/28/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 28, 2002
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Defensive end Clifford Dukes (Lexington Park, Md.) enters his sophomore season on the Spartan roster. Dukes appeared in all 12 games as a red-shirt freshman in 2001, including five starts at defensive end (vs. Central Michigan, Notre Dame, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin).
He registered 41 tackles (25 solos, 16 assists), including two sacks and two pass break-ups. In the 2001 season opener vs. Central Michigan, he finished with a season-high nine stops (6-3). He also recorded six tackles vs. Purdue (5-1) and Notre Dame (5-1) and registered a sack (6 yards) vs. Fresno State in the Silicon Valley Football Classic.
Dukes stopped by after practice on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 28) to talk about his experiences, his biggest influence and game day at Spartan Stadium.
Q: You are moving into your second year as a starter at defensive end, what did you gain from last season that you could take with you to be successful this season?
A: "Speed and strength, plus I know what to do now. Last year, I didn't know all of the techniques."
Q: Have you set any personal goals that you want to accomplish this season?
A: "I would like to get at least two sacks a game."
Q: How much has it helped you and the rest of the defensive line develop going up against such an experienced offensive line at practice?
A: "It helps us a lot. I go up against Steve Stewart everyday and I think he's one of the best tackles I've ever been up against, and I've been up against some pretty good guys."
Q: Who has been one of your biggest influences in football?
A: "My oldest brother - he took me out when I was younger. He was one of the only guys who played football with me. He was a football player himself, so he introduced me to the game."
Q: What did you do over the summer to get into shape for the season?
A: "I worked a lot of bag drills. I worked on getting faster hands and faster feet."
Q: Everyone talks about the defensive line being better this year, what have you noticed that can assure this year's line is better?
A: "We are more mature now. It was my first time playing college football last year, so I had to get some time under my belt and gain valuable experience. We've all gained experience and the rest of the guys are looking good."
Q: What is your favorite part of the game day experience at Spartan Stadium?
A: "Standing in the locker room before we run out. You can hear the band playing and the bass is coming through the locker room. You can just feel the walls pounding and it starts hyping you up.
