Duke football positional preview: Quarterbacks

With the 2024 season coming up fast, The Chronicle is breaking down each major position group on the Duke roster: specialists, defensive backs, linebackers, running backs, defensive line, offensive line, receivers and quarterbacks. Last up are the quarterbacks:

Key player lost: Riley Leonard 

As one of the faces of the Blue Devils the past two seasons, quarterback Riley Leonard’s departure left Duke with a sizable hole and need in his stead. The 2022 Duke football team MVP had been electric in his last two seasons as QB1 in Durham, using his athleticism and accuracy to energize the team’s offense. Behind an extremely talented offensive line, Leonard used the time they gave him to avoid costly mistakes and generate big plays, topping Duke record books in touchdown-to-interception ratio, passing efficiency and pass attempt-to-inteception ratio. A persistent ankle injury sidelined the now-senior for a large part of the 2023 season, but fans everywhere will be sure to remember his production when healthy. In his only entire season at the helm, Leonard was one of just two quarterbacks in the FBS to have over 20 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns and one of three  with over 2900 passing yards and 600 rushing yards. No. 13 will now look to lead a Notre Dame team with plenty of high expectations. The playoff hopefuls will look to Leonard to threaten opposing defenses with his athleticism, while supplementing a powerful run game. The former Duke captain will look to impress with plenty of surrounding talent, as the team battles to match their lofty expectations. 

Projected starter: Maalik Murphy

While the departure of Leonard was the most significant loss through the offseason, Texas transfer Maalik Murphy was arguably the most impactful arrival after seeing limited playing time with the Longhorns. The four-star recruit oozes potential with the arm talent coaches could only dream of. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Murphy has all the makings of an NFL-caliber quarterback. The redshirt sophomore has the ability to make any throw on the field and a smooth, albeit developing, release. The only drawback to Murphy’s resume thus far is simply a lack of opportunity. Murphy saw limited reps throughout his time at Texas, sitting behind Quinn Ewers for most of his career. Under head coach Manny Diaz and offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer, Murphy should have plenty of room to grow and get the most out of Brewer’s tutelage. His connection with receiver Jordan Moore will be one to watch as the team’s top pass-catcher returns after another strong season last year. Moore’s track speed should be on full display with the range the former Longhorn’s arm brings to the offense. With a strong identity in the run game, the Blue Devils should look to maximize Murphy’s arm strength and ability to create outside the pocket on play-actions and with heavier personnel. The California native has all the tools to elevate the Blue Devil offense and allow for creative and exciting play-calling throughout next season.  

Dark horse: Grayson Loftis 

The sophomore Loftis saw time throughout the 2023 season after Leonard’s season ended early and backup Henry Belin IV struggled. He stepped up in a big way for the Blue Devils in four starts, throwing for over 1000 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. While Loftis wasn’t perfect, the South Carolina native quickly won the hearts of fans in his first two starts, leading the team to a win over Wake Forest and following that with his best performance thus far against North Carolina. In the team’s overtime loss against the crosstown rivals, Loftis threw three touchdowns in a 47-45 shootout, keeping the team’s hopes alive as they rallied around the unlikely hero. While he is projected to sit behind Murphy, Loftis has shown that he can lead the team to further success when given the opportunity. The question that remains, however, is if that opportunity will come. If Murphy struggles early or happens to miss time, Loftis will be competing to take the reins and should feel confident in that position with his prior success.