Duke’s quarterback picture has shifted fast, and now the Blue Devils may have a real decision to make before the season gets rolling.
Less than eight months ago, it looked like Duke could simply keep the train moving with Darian Mensah and chase another ACC title. But Mensah is gone now, having transferred to Miami, and Manny Diaz has opened the door to a competition between San Jose State transfer Walker Eget and redshirt freshman Dan Mahan as Week 1 approaches.
Diaz said after the first day of fall camp, "Dan [Mahan] and Walker [Eget] both took reps with the first group today," Diaz told reporters after the first day of fall camp. "That's the first time that Walker's seen somewhat of a rush since last season. So, you know, you've got one guy who's got a lot of promise who hasn't done it yet, and you got one guy who's got a lot of production who's just getting into our offense and learning."
That setup makes this one of the more interesting calls on Duke’s camp checklist. Eget brings experience, but he’s still learning the offense. Mahan hasn’t done it yet, but he offers a different kind of spark - and for this roster, that may matter more than usual.
The Blue Devils appear headed toward a run-heavy identity this season, with Nate Sheppard set to be a centerpiece and CJ Campbell Jr. backing him up. There’s also plenty to sort out at receiver, where the transfers Jared Richardson from Penn and Javen Nicholas from Charlotte are among the names to watch. Until that passing game proves it can carry weight, Duke’s ground attack is going to have to do the heavy lifting.
That’s where Mahan becomes so intriguing. His athletic ability gives the offense another layer, especially if Duke leans into the option game. He could force defenses to account for him as a runner and make them play true 11v11, much like Mensah did last year when he helped power the No. 1 offense in the ACC.
None of that makes the choice simple. Duke’s offense is expected to take a step back overall, and Mahan’s lack of experience could show up, especially against a defense like Illinois in Week 2. But the upside is obvious: if he can run the offense and give the Blue Devils a real threat on the ground, he may be the best fit for what they need.
Starting Mahan would be a gamble, but Eget still comes with his own unknowns in a Power Four offense. Diaz has a tough call ahead if he’s trying to identify the quarterback who gives Duke the best shot to repeat as conference champions this fall.
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Duke Secondary Battle Could Define Manny Diaz's Defensive Rebuild
Dukes pass defense was a problem area last season, finishing near the bottom of the FBS and giving up nearly 277 passing yards per game, so Manny Diaz went into the offseason treating the secondary like an open competition instead of a unit with any established order. He has brought in several transfer players to push for cornerback and safety roles, giving the Blue Devils a chance to reshape a group that needs a cleaner start if the defense is going to take a step forward.
The bigger picture is that the rebuild will not be instant, and Diaz has already acknowledged there will be growing pains as the staff sorts through the mix before the opener against Tulane. For Duke, the question is not simply who plays, but how quickly the secondary can settle enough to look dependable in a league where pass defense can turn a season fast. [Read more 🡒]