Written by Chip Patterson at CBSSports.com
Thomas Sirk joined the Duke program in the spring of 2012, when David Cutcliffe’s program was just about to experience some major breakthroughs. The Blue Devils went to four bowl games in four years from 2012-15, finally snapping a 54-year bowl win drought behind Sirk’s MVP effort in the Pinstripe Bowl. On Wednesday, Duke wished him well in his decision to transfer to another school for his sixth and final year of eligibility.
“First and foremost, we are 100 percent supportive of Thomas and his decision to complete his eligibility at another school,” Cutcliffe said. “I’ve said it many times before: Thomas is an incredible young man. He’s conscientious, dedicated and what I would consider the ultimate teammate due to his selflessness and leadership qualities. Thomas loves Duke. He and I have had great discussion regarding this decision, and his love for this university and everything it represents is what made this decision so difficult for him.
Sirk won’t be permitted to transfer to any ACC school or upcoming Duke opponent — Army West Point, Baylor, N.C. Central and Northwestern all off-limits — but will be allowed to play immediately in 2017 wherever he lands.
Sirk suffered major Achilles tendon injuries in 2013 and 2016, but was one of the best dual-threat offensive weapons in the ACC in 2015. Finally promoted to the starting job, Sirk’s total offense numbers put him behind only Clemson’s Deshaun Watson and North Carolina’s Marquise Williams for No. 3 in the conference at the end of the season. Then, in the bowl game, Sirk and running back Shaun Wilson shared MVP honors in the 44-41 win.
The NCAA awarded Sirk an extra year of eligiblity after his fifth year, 2016, was derailed by another injury. When Duke opened spring practice earlier this month, Sirk was not cleared for contact and Daniel Jones remained the No. 1 quarterback in Durham. Jones, set to be a sophomore in 2017, improved with experience last season and will be one of the only returning starters in the Coastal Division.
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