Duke’s first depth chart of the season came with a few clear answers, but it also left some openings that could shape the early part of the year.
The Blue Devils open the regular season this week against Tulane, the reigning AAC champions, and Manny Diaz is entering the year with a revamped roster after a busy offseason. Duke is also trying to chase a second straight ACC Championship, which makes every one of these early battles worth watching a little closer.
The biggest shakeup showed up at wide receiver. The slot and Z spots are still unsettled, with redshirt sophomore Jayden Moore and redshirt freshman Kavon Simmons listed as co-starters at Z ahead of redshirt freshman Jaivon Solomon. At slot, Javen Nicholas and graduate transfer Jonah Burton are both listed as co-starters.
That kind of setup usually means the staff is still sorting out who separates himself once the real games begin. If one of those receivers takes control early, the “OR” tags should disappear fast.
Cornerback brought another surprise. Kimari Robinson and Landan Callahan looked like the likely Week 1 pair, but Duke’s depth chart says otherwise. Montana transfer Kyon Loud has jumped Robinson for the top corner spot, while Western Kentucky transfer Dylan Flowers and Callahan are listed as co-starters opposite Loud.
It’s a clear sign that the secondary is still very much in motion. The transfer additions have pushed the competition hard, and that battle is far from settled.
Up front, the edge group looks more stable. Duke’s multiple-defense under Jonathan Patke will use rotations at the end spot and VYPER, but the names at the top are pretty defined. True sophomore Bryce Davis and junior Tyshon Reed are co-starters at defensive end, while redshirt junior Kevin O’Connor is listed as the starting VYPER.
That’s one of the stronger areas on the defense, and it could matter even more because of how much the secondary is still taking shape. A pass rush like that can make life easier behind it.
The defensive tackle picture also offered a wrinkle. Junior Preston Watson is the starter at defensive tackle, which isn’t a shock, but David Anderson is listed as the No. 2 nose tackle. Former 4-star recruit Owen Wafle, despite the offseason buzz around him, doesn’t appear to have done enough yet to earn major playing time.
That may qualify as one of the bigger letdowns coming out of camp. Still, Wafle is only a redshirt sophomore, so there’s plenty of time for him to grow into the kind of defender Duke hoped it was getting.
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