Truthfully speaking, I liked Duke as a back-up RB last year. The combo of James & Duke was lovely. With James, he was a big back, productive and reliable (outside of the Maryland game fumble). After being pounded on by James, a tired defense had to deal with a fast, home-run hitter in Duke. Thunder and lightning! Plus, Duke was able to contribute more on special teams last year.
This year is totally different. The reason why Duke is starting this year is because he's a playmaker and he is our best RB. The only big RB to compliment Duke is Gus, but he needs another year to get stronger. And Dallas Crawford has been a blessing, but him starting full-time does not make our offense more explosive. We need Duke to start because of his playmaking ability. The only downside is that Duke can not start full-time at KR, but he can come in for special moments.
So basically what we have is a RB by committee type of run game. Duke is the starter and our home-run threat, Dallas is our grinder and TD maker, Gus is developing to be next our power back and Clements is our serviceable back that can produce when his number is called. I do not have a problem with the RBs we have this year...
*Insert LeBron James' trophy presentation "I ain't got no worries" speech*