Expect to see a lot of Max McCaffrey this season. Credit: LIZ CONDO

Duke wrapped up its spring practice period with the annual Blue vs. White game Saturday (recap here if you missed it ). And, to formally bid goodbye to Spring football, here are four more thoughts.

••• There are shades of Conner Vernon in Max McCaffrey

First, a reminder of the definition of the word “shade:” a slight amount of something. McCaffrey is young (rising sophomore) and inexperienced (181 snaps as a freshman and two catches, both at FSU), so it remains to be seen how his spring improvements will transfer to an actual game. But he’s drawn rave reviews and established himself as the clear No. 2 headed into the fall.

Kurt Roper instructs the Duke offense with quarterback Anthony Boone nearby. Credit: TAKAAKI IWABU

Duke football has one more week of spring practice before the April 13 spring game in Wallace Wade at 4 p.m. (open to the public, by the way). In anticipation of that event, I chatted briefly with offensive coordinator Kurt Roper about what's been happening with the offense.

What have you guys been doing on the offensive side of the ball this spring?

It was a tough day for the Duke offense, as neither quarterback Anthony Boone (7) nor injured starter Sean Renfree could generate any momentum. Credit: STEVE CANNON, AP

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Duke was held to a season-low in both total yards and passing yards. But one Blue Devil had the most productive day of his young career.

Entering the game, freshman wide receiver Max McCaffrey had zero catches. By the time the first half was over, he had two.

McCaffrey, the son of 13-year NFL veteran Ed McCaffrey, caught the two longest passes Sean Renfree threw. The first was a 13-yard completion on Duke’s opening drive, and the second was a drive-extending, 18-yard catch on third down on the Blue Devils’ lone scoring drive.

McCaffrey said he didn’t know ahead of time that he would play a bigger role in the offense.