Duke lands its top recruit in the class of 2025.
After initially committing to Clemson, Bryce Davis, the 4-star defensive end out of Greensboro, N.C., changed his decision to join Manny Diaz and the Blue Devils. He is the highest-rated recruit to ever sign with Duke according to 247Sports. Outside of Duke, Davis took visits to Clemson, Georgia, South Carolina and Southern California.
Davis is ranked 77th in the 2025 ESPN top 300, and the fourth-best player in North Carolina. The Grimsley product only appeared for two games in the 2023 season due to a lower body injury, but he recorded 92 tackles in his sophomore campaign.
At 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, Davis is a bigger defensive end prospect, but has the quick feet and explosivity necessary to disrupt the backfield at the collegiate level. He will fit well with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke, whose units specialize in tackles for loss and sacks.
Davis is part of a successful class for Diaz, which ranks No. 33 according to 247Sports. Wide receiver Jaivon Soloman, defensive lineman Tommy Rupley and fellow edge rusher Sampson Onuoha are some of the other top prospects in this Blue Devil class.
Duke opens its 2024 season against Elon Aug. 30.
Editor's note: An initial version of this article included Gerritt Kemp and Cameron Smith as part of Duke's class of 2025; both players have since decommitted from the Blue Devils.
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Ranjan Jindal is a Trinity junior and sports editor of The Chronicle's 120th volume.