Duke's Renfree and Vernon Achieve NFL Dreams - SCACCHoops.com

Duke's Renfree and Vernon Achieve NFL Dreams

by Duke Sports Blog

Posted: 4/28/2013 9:37:24 PM


While only one of them actually heard their names called during the NFL Draft, both Sean Renfree and Conner Vernon are realizing their NFL dreams.

Former Duke quarterback Renfree was taken late in the last round of the draft by the Atlanta Falcons after speculation from ESPN analysts that he could be a steal.

Renfree led Duke to its first bowl since 1995 and before being knocked out late in the game due to injury he had the Blue Devils in position to potentially win. Renfree is the first Duke player selected in the draft  since Drew Strojny was a seventh round pick by the New York Giants in 2004.

The news wasn’t as positive for Vernon who was expected by many to be a mid-round selection but never heard his name called. The All-ACC wide receiver became Duke’s as well as the ACC’s all-time leader in yards and receptions. Vernon caught 283 passes for 3,749 yards and 21 touchdowns while compiling 4,357 career all-purpose yards

Vernon had impressed some big-name NFL quarterbacks in Peyton and Eli Manning who were on Duke’s campus working out earlier this month. Both spoke highly of Vernon but despite that praise and the belief that he would be drafted, Vernon had to settle for a free agent contract from the Oakland Raiders.

Renfree will likely battle for a roster position to back up start Matt Ryan. The only other quarterback listed on the Falcon’s roster is former ECU quarterback Dominique Davis who has been in the league for two years.

Both Vernon and Renfree will have to work hard to earn a roster spot, but working hard is nothing new for either player who helped resurrect a Duke program that hadn’t been to a bowl game in nearly 20 years.

At this point and at the risk of sounding like a homer, I would expect both players to make the final roster and in the case of Vernon I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get some significant playing time once the Raiders realize the kind of player that they signed.

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