Sept. 10, 2002

By Kyle Parrish
MU Athletic Media Relations

If you were to ask Antoine Duncan about the pressures of being a senior cornerback in the Big 12 Conference, he would tell you that it's nothing. Nothing, that is, compared to fatherhood.

"Things have changed a lot for me since becoming a dad," says the Denison, Texas, native. "I've had to grow up a lot in order to be responsible for not just myself, but another person."

Duncan's daughter, A'naya, was born in March of 2001. He remembers the day well, because his plans to be with his girlfriend, Dezina, and their baby girl were cut off. As Duncan was traveling home to Texas, his car broke down leaving him stranded and separated from his young family.

"I wanted so badly to be with Dezina when A'naya was born. I was really disappointed that things didn't work out," Duncan recalls. "But I do everything I can to be there for them now."

Duncan's efforts for his family have been apparent over the last year as he made many long trips to Texas to see his loved ones. Now, however, the trips will not be nearly as long. Dezina recently moved with A'naya to Columbia.

"It's so good to have them here with me," says Duncan. "I can focus so much better on everything else in my life when they are nearby."

Duncan certainly has a lot in his life. In addition to the late nights, dirty diapers, and taking care of being a dad, Duncan must balance the long days, examinations, and note taking involved with school.

Then there is football ...

The fifth-year-senior entered 2002 as the Tigers' most productive defensive back. Now in his third season as a full time starter, Duncan has six interceptions and 19 passes broken up. He was Honorable Mention All-Big 12 in 2000.

As he looks to build on those numbers this season, Duncan cites life as a father as both motivation and experience to use in his football career.

"Having a child has taught me a lot of accountability," he states soberly. "It's also made me want to be an example. I don't want to do anything that my daughter couldn't be proud of."

The same goes for Duncan around his Tiger teammates. Seniority has brought extra weight to the 2002 season for the cornerback, but Duncan seems prepared for the challenge.

"My goal as a senior is to be an impact for this team," he declares. "I think I can be a big part of our success by staying in peoples' ears and by being consistent both on and off the field."

Consistency has been Duncan's trademark. In addition to starting every game for the past two seasons, Duncan has been consistent in his statistical contributions. A sure tackler and physical coverage man, he has rarely had an off Saturday.

Despite many different challenges and changes on the field, Duncan has risen to perform in all situations. Under Larry Smith, Duncan was called on to be active in the backfield as well as in coverage. He responded with two sacks and four tackles for loss in 2000. When Gary Pinkel installed a new defensive scheme, Duncan fit into a new mold, becoming a tackling machine yet failing to register a sack.

"I put up some good numbers in 2000 and that's why I was named Honorable Mention All-Big 12. Last year, even though I wasn't called on to be in the spotlight as much, I feel like I was a more complete player. I just try to do my job for the team."

Now in his third season as a full-time starter, Duncan can look forward to having an edge on the field over younger and less experienced competition. However, it has never been easy for Duncan to dominate.

At 5-10 and 185 pounds, the cornerback has always been considered undersized. Duncan's 69 tackles in 2001 were most impressive considering that they often came against much larger opponents. He resorts to his quickness and understanding of the defense to get the job done.

Typical of Duncan's style was a play against Texas last season. Longhorn guard Mike Williams, now with the Buffalo Bills, pulled to block Duncan on a rushing play. As the last man between the defense and a Texas touchdown, Duncan took the 6-5, 330-pound Williams on. He ended up stopping both Williams and Texas running back Cedric Benson on the play.

"Most big guys don't expect you to be that physical with them," laughs Duncan. "If you come up and bring the fight to them, they are off balance. Since I've been playing, I've known that I wasn't going to let size hold me back."

When pondering a future at the next level, Duncan refuses to allow his size to hamper his play.

"I really want to play football after college. If there is any way pro football can work out for me, I'll work for it."

With full understanding of his responsibility, Duncan acknowledges that a pro football salary would best provide for his young family. However, he also has a backup plan to earn his master's degree in business admininstration if football doesn't work out.

For now, it appears that both football and life are working out just fine for Antoine Duncan. He has a bright career ahead, a young family with him, and a certain wisdom that makes "Uncle Dunc," as his teammates affectionately call him, an invaluable member of the Missouri senior class in 2002.