text: One On One With Casey Camero - Duke - Scout
  One On One With Casey CameroJohn Watson08/15/2006The defensive line, a group of players considered to be on the biggest strengths of the 2006 Blue Devil roster, is anchored by senior Casey Camero. The 6-foot-5, 280 pounder sat down with TDD this week for a preseason Q&A session.Last year injuries forced some of the younger guys to red-shirt. Now that they are back, how much stronger is the defensive line?
  Casey Camero: It's a lot better than last year because we have guys who can come in and help. Last season there were times when you'd look to the sideline and there wasn't anyone who could come in and give you a breather. This year we've got guys like Vince and Ayanga back, both of whom will really help, as will our level of conditioning.
  Can you elaborate on your impressions of the young guys, and how they mix in with you, Eli, and Patrick?
  Vince, Ayanga, and Cliff are all just huge, huge guys. You don't see too many 18 or 19 year old kids who are as big and strong as they are. People see them and immediately think they are juniors or seniors. Cliff is a just a country boy from down south who is as strong as a bull.
  In your opinion, who is the strongest guy in the group?
  There is no doubt -- Eli Nichols. You look at him and don't really see it, but that guy is a beast. He's got the top bench press on the team (460 pounds) and one of the top squats and power cleans. How has this preseason camp been different from the others you've been a part of?
  You can just see the progression happening with every guy out there. Everyone on the roster is making big strides, and no one is getting mentally beaten down. Everyone is competing, and that has made us closer knit as a group, while pushing everyone to get better individually.
  How did you do in the strongman competition?
  I did well. I finished second to Pontus in the farmer's walk (golf cart push).
  What are your impressions of the coaching staff's new sleds?
  I don't know who designed or built them, but I'd like to meet him. They aren't fun at all, but they have really helped us get into the best shape we've been in.
  How important is the Richmond game in setting the tone for the season?
  It's very important. We are taking it very seriously. In the back of our minds we all have goals that are considered bigger, but you can't reach those goals without laying a foundation -- which means starting the season off with a win.
  It'll be the first night game in a while at Duke. Do you prefer night games or day games?
  Honestly, we're going to be so ready for the game that I don't think it'll matter one way or another. The good thing is that it'll be cooler, but the bad part is waiting a few more hours to finally get the season started.
  You guys head to Alabama this season. What does that kind of atmosphere do for the team?
  We've played in big stadiums before. The ACC is full of them. I don't watch too much SEC football, but I am sure it'll be a lot like the game we played at Tennessee -- that was just a crazy atmosphere.
  You've gotten a chance to meet the freshmen offensive lineman on the field. What are your early impressions?
  They are all really big kids. It looks like all of them are around 300 pounds and strong. Jarrod Holt has been really good so far.
  What have you concentrated on as a defensive unit this off season?
  We need to get better at stopping the run. Everything we do hinges on being able to stop the opponents' running game. We make the linebackers job easier if we can do that. We make it easier on the defensive backs if we can get into the backfield and slow things down. Share on Facebook Share on TwitterTrending on ScoutPac-12 roundup: Top stories for Week 8YCTS: Idaho WhitetailPinson Out IndefinitelyThings Heating Up for '18 ATH Alondras StrongTop 5 Freshman Passers in NCAAShare & EmbedWATCH: Battier Previews Duke Full StoryThe Devils Den Top StoriesThings Heating Up for '18 ATH Alondras StrongA third school offered 2018 athlete Alondras Strong this week, and offer No. 4 could be on its way soon. Learn more about this junior out of Alabama who is emerging as one of the…by Chad SimmonsScout Football6:55 AMWATCH: Battier Previews DukeWith the college basketball season ready to tip off, Campus Insiders' Jordan Cornette spoke with former Duke star Shane Battier about the upcoming season. The Blue Devil great also…by Site StaffThe Devils DenYesterday at 3:28 PMWATCH: Why Is Allen So Polarizing?Former Duke star Shane Battier spoke with Campus Insiders' Jordan Cornette about current Blue Devils standout Grayson Allen and why the All-American guard is disliked by so many…by Site StaffThe Devils DenYesterday at 3:24 PMOne on one with Gary Trent, Jr.Ahead of his official visit to Cameron Indoor Stadium this weekend we had a chance to speak with five star scoring guard Gary Trent, Jr to get the latest on his recruitment and…by Steve ClarkThe Devils DenWednesday at 5:28 AMDuke Will Definitely Make List For 2018 SSANFORD, N.C. -- Nate Thompson's stock is rising and they three-star 2018 safety spoke with Scout about the latest developments in his recruitment.by Michael ClarkScout FootballTuesday at 4:14 PMHighlights of Top 35 PG Matt ColemanMatt Coleman is Scout's 35th ranked prospect in 2017. Here are highlights of the four-star point guard from USA Basketball.by Josh GershonScout HoopsMonday at 2:40 PMHighlights of Top 10 SF Kevin KnoxKevin Knox is Scout's 7th ranked 2017 prospect. Here are highlights of the five-star small forward from USA Basketball.by Josh GershonScout HoopsMonday at 1:31 PMJones Among Top 5 Freshman QBs in NCAAHere is a look at the Top 5 freshmen passing quarterbacks in college football.by StaffScout CFBYesterday at 6:21 PMBlue Devils Hosting High Major PropectsIt is a big weekend for visits across the country with several schools hosting major events. Duke and Indiana are hosting huge groups of visitors.by Josh GershonScout HoopsYesterday at 1:45 PMTop 5 Football Team Entrances in the ACCFrom the Ramblin' Wreck leading the Yellow Jackets onto the field to running down the Hill at Death Valley, the ACC can boast some of the best football team entrances in the…by StaffScout CFBTuesday at 11:41 AMBig Ten, ACC Has Ear Of 6-3 WRNEW YORK -- Brooklyn Erasmus Hall 2018 receiver Sean Ryan discusses Rutgers, Pitt and Duke.by Brian DohnScout FootballMonday at 5:55 AMHighlights of Top Five post Wendell CarterWendell Carter is Scout's 4th ranked prospect in 2017. Here are highlights of the five-star center from USA Basketball.by Josh GershonScout HoopsSunday at 5:17 PMLoad More