Interview: 3-Star 2019 Hawaii OL Duke Clemens Adding to Growing Reputation in the Trenches

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Featured photo credit: Raymond Joyce Photography

Twitter: @RJPSports

One would never think a quote from the movie The Empire Strikes Back in the Star Wars series would serve as a perfect summation for offensive linemen at any level, but it does. In the movie, Yoda gives young Luke Skywalker his Confucius inspired philosophical motivation – “you either do or do not, there is no try.” When Duke Clemens takes the field for Punahou High School, the offensive lineman definitely does.

A trend on the recruiting trail is starting to change, and thanks to guys like Clemens that former trend will soon be a thing of the past. For years, most college football programs ignored recruiting Hawaii, be it the cost of flying out to paradise for a recruiting trip and the time it takes to do so, or the perceived notion that Hawaii kids could not play at the level of their mainland counterparts. The Aloha State is now quickly being recognized for the massive amount of talent located within.

Former Oregon Ducks dual-threat quarterback Marcus Mariota may have kicked the door down for current Hawaii recruits, but the guys in the 2017 class helped do their part. At last count, some 20 players from Hawaii signed D-I scholarship offers to programs like Notre Dame (Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa), Utah (Aliki Vimahi and Miki Suguturaga), Boise State (Kekaula Kaniho), Oregon (Adam Stack and Isaac Slade Matautia), Georgia Tech (Michael Minihan), Vanderbilt (Feleti Afemui and Jonah Buchanan), and Alabama (Tua Taovailoa). When the 2019 class takes their turn signing their national letters of intent, Clemens will be another in a long line of recruits making the Hawaii faithful proud.

The powers that be for Punahou did the Buff N’ Blue players a great service ahead of the 2017 season, they schedule two games against California competition. Punahou rose to the challenge upending Torrey Pines (23-7) and state power Serra (56-42) in back-to-back road games. The Serra game turned out to be a showcase game bringing well-deserved attention to the entire squad. Their 6-4, 265 pound, left tackle took full advantage of the opportunity blowing open holes for running back Sitiveni Kaufusi while keeping dual-threat quarterback Stephen Barber upright against great Serra talent.

For all his hard work, interest is building in Clemens with teams like Stanford, Cal, and Notre Dame watching his progression with offers having already been extended from Utah and Hawaii. The Buff N’ Blue are 5-1 on the season with a chance to avenge their lone loss on the year at the hands of St. Louis come Saturday, Oct. 7 before heading into the playoffs. The expected run into the playoffs should help bring even more attention his way before the spring evaluation period.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with the three-star prospect covering his recruiting process, play on the field, and work in the classroom.

Interview

Duke, when did you make the varsity roster for Punahou?

“During our freshman year, we usually have to play JV. After the season, we get pulled up to practice with the varsity. My freshman year I started practicing with the varsity. During my sophomore year, I started playing varsity ball.”

How did you work on your game during the offseason?

“During the offseason, I would train with a speed and quickness trainer and I would lift. I played summer basketball to keep my running up. I worked on getting stronger and faster this summer.”

Which areas of your game are showing the most improvement this year?

“The most improvement is my run and down blocks. I am moving the guy off the line better this year. My kick step has gotten better. I am getting in front of the defender quicker this year.”

How are defenses attacking you this season?

“I’m a lighter left tackle. They have been trying to get to my outside to get to the quarterback.”

Has there been a defensive player that has challenged you this season and that challenge has made you better in the long run?

“I feel like there has not been one guy that has really challenged me. All the different defenders are challenging in different ways. I have to react differently to each and keep working to get better.”

The 2017 season has been a great one for the Buff N’ Blue so far with a 5-1 record. The team had a bye this week before facing St. Louis. How are you guys preparing for your rival a second time around?

“We are trying to be more physical in practice. We are working on running the ball more. We’ve been doing a lot of hitting and moving guys off the line of scrimmage.”

How do you prepare for each team throughout a given week?

“I show up to practice and work hard. I watch film before and after practice. I like to know who I am going against. I stay calm throughout the week. I try not to overthink what I am doing. I take the game one step at a time.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“Notre Dame, Cal, UNLV, Nevada, and Stanford – I went to one of their camps.”

I know it is not easy for anyone from Hawaii to take visits to the mainland during the season, but have you taken any yet?

“I went to Cal this summer. After the Stanford camp, they invited me for a tour.”

Nice. Do you have any planned upcoming visits?

“Maybe after the season. I may check out Utah and other schools in California.”

Do you play any other sports for Punahou?

“I play football, baseball, and basketball.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.8. This year is looking good too. I hope to bump up my average.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“No. We take the PSAT in October. I am waiting to learn some of the math that will be covered on the tests. I will take my tests in the spring. I am signed up for prep classes.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Probably chemistry. I like the lab work. I like seeing how things work.”

Is there a player at the college or NFL level you model your game after on the field?

“The left tackle for Cowboys, Tyron Smith. In college, he was not too big. He was a skinny tackle. Now he handles all the defensive ends in the NFL.”

Once the ball is teed up, what gets you hyped up on the field?

“Running out of the tunnel, hearing the band, looking up to see my family, and knowing I have nothing to lose if I play as hard as I can.”

Duke, thanks for your time today. Good luck against your rival on Saturday.

“Thank you.”

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Featured photo: Ray Joyce Photography; No. 66 Duke Clemens pass set vs. Serra

Photo credit: scoringlive.com; No. 66 Duke Clemens blocks for No. 2 Stephen Barber