Is Randez James sticking by Duke

Four-star cornerback Randez James committed to Ted Roof and Duke out of Texas in the 2007 recruiting class. The 5-foot-11, 175-pounder remained with the Blue Devils until recently when Roof was fired. With obvious question marks, what is next for the Chatham (Va.) Hargrave Military Academy prospect?

"Ted Roof left and since that has happened, I've been wondering who is going to be the head coach," he said. "If I stay there, it all depends who is the head coach.

"Scott Brown, my recruiter when I was in Texas is supposed to touch base with me soon. I'm also supposed to be taking an official to Duke this weekend. I think a lot may depend on how the visit goes and that's where I stand."

At this time, James still maintains he's solid with the Blue Devils.

"Duke has been great," he said. "They've been straight with me from day one and I can't just kick them to the side since they dropped their coach.

"I know Duke doesn't have the best record, but my mom has always told me getting an education can take your further and with a Duke degree, the sky is the limit. Then I also have the opportunity to play in the ACC and go against guys that'll go to the league every year which is terrific. I can go to any other school, but I want to go to Duke.

"I'm looking forward to building something. It's easy to join a winning team. I want to build tradition."

A handful of other schools are showing interest in the No. 17 prep school prospect.

"A few other schools want to touch base with me, Iowa State, North Carolina State and Connecticut. Once they saw my 40-time I started getting attention."

James has had a good year at Hargrave and felt like he learned a lot.

"I started most of the game," he said. "I feel I matured and grew. When I came here I was 163-pounds and now I'm 180. I got my mind focused and I think I can step right in and compete for a spot."

James is fully qualified and plans to enroll at school in January.