Duke Blue Devils add Georgia linebacker

Duke has picked up its 16^th commitment in Clerance France, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound linebacker at Carver High in Columbus, Ga.

France, who has 4.6-second speed in the 40-yard dash, was also offered scholarships by Western Kentucky and Troy.

He was a bit under the radar because this was his first year at linebacker. France had been playing offensive line but was shifted this season because Carver coach Dell McGee thought he’d have a better shot at college, given his size.

“He's got a big upside for college,” McGee said. “He's new at the position.”

McGee had no current stats on France, but said he was a key to the team’s current 8-1 record.

Duke recruited France as a linebacker, so that switch worked out well.

--Stan Olson