With signing day less than two months away, we take a look how Duke's 2015 recruiting class is shaping out and whether head coach David Cutcliffe and his staff can secure commitments from their few remaining targets. We also take a look at why the 2016 recruiting classes could be the team's best in program history.
2015 Trending Down
Duke's 2015 recruiting class was poised to finish ranked in the top 25 in the nation earlier this month, but a pair of decommitments has put that goal in jeopardy. It all started when ESPN 300 tight end Tyler Petite announced that he was flipping his commitment to Southern California back on December 12.
Petite, a California-native, seemed to have wanted to remain close to home, but the tight end spot will also be one of the most competitive ones in Durham for the next few years. Braxton Deaver will return as a sixth-year senior alongside David Reeves, who started in Deaver's absence this season. Throw Davis Koppenhaver, Erich Schneider and Dan Beilinson in the mix next season and it will be very tough for a true freshman to pick up meaningful playing time. Thus, although the Petite is a huge loss for Duke, they will have plenty of depth at tight end next season and beyond.
The Blue Devils also "parted ways" with athlete DePriest "Trey" Turner, who seems to be leaning toward California after taking an official visit there recently, according to 247Sports.com's Adam Rowe. Turner was a three-star recruit who was ranked as the 59th-best dual-threat quarterback by ESPN, but he was expected to play receiver or defensive back at Duke.
These losses have dropped Duke's 2015 class to just 16 players and it has tumbled in the rankings to 38th in the nation according to ESPN, after being ranked as high as 24th back on August 27th.
Can Frasier help the Blue Devils Rebound?
With a few more scholarships still available, Duke coaches used the period between the regular season and bowl preparation to hit the road a visit a number of prospects.
The biggest priority for the coaching staff is clearly Princeton, N.C., native, Johnny Frasier, who is ranked No. 85 in the ESPN 300 and is currently verbally committed to Florida State. But, Frasier told 247Sports.com at the South Carolina-North Carolina Shrine Bowl media day that his commitment was not solid and that he was considering staying closer to his family, playing for a North Carolina school, most likely North Carolina State or Duke.
The Wolfpack already secured commitments from top 2015 in-state running backs Reggie Gallaspy and Nyheim Hines, crowding the position. If Frasier does end up staying close to home, the Blue Devils have a shot if Frasier does not commit to the Seminoles.
Looking ahead to 2016
Although it is still early in the recruiting process for the 2016 class, Duke formed an impressive core group of players who have sent the Blue Devils spiraling to the top of the recruiting rankings in 2016.
ESPN 300 prospects wide receiver Scott Bracey (#6 WR) and Mark Birmingham (No. 3 TE) anchor the class, which also includes running back Elijah Deveaux and cornerback Antone Williams.
Ranked 12th nationally and third in the ACC by 247Sports.com, the class has a chance to get even better and is in the running for a flurry of four-star players who can make an immediate contribution in Durham during the years to come.
Be sure to stay tuned to the Blue Zone for a football recruiting update in early January and follow us at @chroniclesports for any breaking news.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.