With the 2024 season coming up fast, The Chronicle is breaking down each major position group on the Duke roster: specialists, defensive backs, linebackers, defensive line, offensive line, receivers, running backs and quarterbacks. Next up are the running backs:
Last season, Duke football’s offense was spearheaded by a strong running game. Especially given starting quarterback Riley Leonard’s struggles with injuries and consistency, running backs played a huge role in wins against Clemson, Northwestern and N.C. State. In 2023, the Blue Devils averaged just north of 167 yards and two touchdowns per game on the ground, so repeating this success will certainly be a challenge for new offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer in 2024.
Key loss: Jordan Waters
Unfortunately for Brewer, his offense is losing its leading rusher from a season ago. Waters rushed for more than 800 yards and totaled 12 touchdowns on the season, both team highs. After the departure of head coach Mike Elko, Waters decided to transfer to ACC rival N.C. State, exercising his covid year of eligibility. The Fairmont, N.C., native rushed for over 100 yards three times on the season, including once against the Wolfpack. What’s more, while Waters only totaled nine receptions on the season, that was a team high among running backs. Filling the hole left by Waters will definitely be a hefty task for Duke this season.
Projected starters: Jaquez Moore & Star Thomas
While Waters is a major loss, his second-in-command from last year is back for his senior campaign. Moore was the second leading rusher in all of the major categories last year, though he reached the end zone just six times on the season. The Live Oak, Fla., native was particularly effective against Florida State and Virginia, racking up over 100 yards in both games. Blue Devil fans will remember him most fondly for his nine-yard touchdown score against Clemson, which gave Duke a two-score lead over the Tigers early in the fourth quarter. With incoming transfer Maalik Murphy as the presumptive starting quarterback, and Brewer’s new offense, the continuity of Moore will be crucial this season.
Among this season’ slew of transfers is Star Thomas, who arrives from New Mexico State University. Last season at NMSU, Thomas totaled over 650 rushing yards, and was also a major contributor in the passing game. The Homer, La., native caught 22 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the air. As a result of his strong campaign, Thomas was named to the 2023 All-Conference USA Second Team.
While Moore is clearly the stronger rushing threat, Thomas' receiving abilities will give a dynamic force to the Blue Devil offense. Moore can be an elite playmaker on first and second downs, with Thomas being brought in on third down passing situations.
Dark horse: Al Wooten II
Another transfer to head coach Manny Diaz’s program, Wooten II comes in from Mercer University off of a season in which he totaled over 800 total yards, six rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores. While Wooten is currently listed fourth on the depth chart, he brings in valuable experience after already playing four years of college football, which included 24 starts. Importantly, in 36 games at the NCAA level, he never fumbled the football. His experience and consistency could spring him up the depth chart as the season progresses.
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.