As the 2023 season rapidly approaches, the Blue Zone takes a look at each of the eight major position groups on this Duke roster: Specialists, defensive line, offensive line, linebackers, defensive backs, receivers, running backs and quarterbacks:
This season, Duke will attempt to ensure any team entering Wallace Wade Stadium will be in the no-fly zone.
The Blue Devil secondary last year was solid, aided by additions in the transfer portal to supplement the defensive backs already on the roster. However, the unit as a whole struggled limiting yards through the air last season, allowing 257 passing yards per game which was 12th in the league. In 2023, it will be a challenge to improve on these numbers, as Duke will face several elite quarterbacks and wide receivers over the course of the season.
Key Players Lost: Darius Joiner, Datrone Young
The secondary was hit harder than any other positional unit this offseason, losing two key starters in Joiner and Young. The two graduate transfers were key cogs in Duke’s defensive turnaround last season, and their replacements will have to step up in a big way.
The addition of Darius Joiner last season completely changed the complexity of the defense in head coach Mike Elko’s first year. In his one year in Durham after spending time at Western Illinois and Jacksonville State, the Roanoke, Ala., native made an instant impact on the back end. Joiner started every game for Elko’s defense, pacing the team in tackles and interceptions with 97 and two respectively. The accolades for the transfer piled up throughout the year, as his PFF grade of 88.7 was the fourth-best mark among safeties nationally, and Joiner was selected to the All-ACC third team. This season, Duke will have to find a way to quickly replace its defensive skill player of the year award recipient if it hopes to contain the pass early.
Datrone Young was another staple for Elko during his one season playing for the Blue Devils. After coming over from Iowa State, the graduate corner started all 12 games he played in, leading the team in pass breakups with seven. The Delray Beach, Fla., native finished his collegiate career playing 2381 snaps, invaluable experience that will be hard to replicate for the Blue Devils this year.
Projected Starters: Al Blades Jr., Chandler Rivers, Brandon Johnson, Jaylen Stinson, Jeremiah Lewis
After seeing the success he had with bringing in graduate transfers to deepen the secondary, Elko went back to the well this offseason.
One of Duke’s likely starting corners will come from a familiar foe, as Miami transfer Al Blades will join the Blue Devils for his final year of eligibility. In his five years with the Hurricanes, the cornerback was very productive, playing in 49 games and racking up 93 tackles and four interceptions. Blades also participated in three bowl games during his time in Miami, big game experience that could prove valuable to Duke’s younger defensive backs.
Across from Blades will be sophomore Chandler Rivers, reprising his role after a promising freshman campaign. In his first season at the collegiate level, the Beaumont, Texas., native continuously produced when called upon, starting six games and appearing in all 13 for the Blue Devils. Rivers posted three or more tackles in 11 contests, further demonstrating his consistency. The sophomore especially came on strong at the end of the season, posting seven tackles against North Carolina and recording his first interception in the Military Bowl against UCF. If Rivers continues to develop, Duke should be set at one corner spot for the near future.
While Joiner is gone, the Blue Devils will still have one of their anchors at safety back, as Jaylen Stinson is back for his senior year. Last season, Stinson was excellent, starting every game while tallying 74 tackles and tying for the team lead in interceptions with Joiner. This year, the senior will be relied on to be the lead man for the secondary, a task he is undoubtedly capable of.
Stinson will be joined at safety by another familiar face, as Jeremiah Lewis is back for his second stint in Durham. Last year, Lewis spent a season at Northwestern, starting every game for the Wildcats and turning in a highly productive campaign. In 12 contests, the graduate student had 70 tackles to go along with four pass breakups, with two of those coming against Duke. Now, the Lewisville, Texas, product will return to where it all started, providing another steady veteran presence back deep.
Rounding out the secondary is Brandon Johnson, who is listed as a nickel but can best be described as a Swiss Army knife. During his sophomore campaign, Johnson made a huge jump, receiving the team’s Cutcliffe Family Award, which is awarded to the overall most improved player in the program. The Newton, N.C., native made a huge impact in the secondary during his breakout season, starting every contest and tallying 55 tackles and seven pass breakups. The junior also has an uncanny knack for rushing the passer, as Johnson racked up 5.5 sacks in 2022. New defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci will be able to unleash the nickel in a variety of ways, making him one of the Blue Devils’ most valuable assets.
Dark Horse: Terry Moore
Despite losing two secondary members from last year’s squad, Duke actually gained one from within its roster. This offseason, Terry Moore made the switch from running back to safety, giving Santucci another elite athlete to work with. In eight games last year, Moore rushed for 128 yards, including a career-high 42 against North Carolina. Moore played safety in high school and will now move back there, hoping to provide a stellar rotational piece to the unit. If the Washington, N.C., native can produce at a high level, Duke may have its safety of the future.
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