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ACC Football: Every team’s most important newcomers for 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dabo Swinney, Clemson football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Dabo Swinney, Clemson football (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 05: Head coach David Cutcliffe of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 05, 2019, in Durham, North Carolina. Pittsburgh won 33-30. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 05: Head coach David Cutcliffe of the Duke Blue Devils during their game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 05, 2019, in Durham, North Carolina. Pittsburgh won 33-30. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Duke Blue Devils (2-9)

The Duke Blue Devils had a major problem last season: turnovers. The Blue Devils threw 19 interceptions and lost 20 fumbles in 11 games last season. One of the issues was the offensive line. Duke surrendered 37 sacks last season.

In short, Duke needs help in the trenches. Head coach David Cutcliffe needs a quarterback with Chase Brice’s departure, but it will not matter if the Devils are no better on the offensive line. In addition, the defensive line needs to be more stout after giving up over 200 yards at 5.2 yards per carry.

These three transfers could help Duke with those issues this season.

  • Brian Foley (transfer), OG: Foley, a graduate transfer from Holy Cross, gives Duke size and depth up front. Center Jack Wohlabaugh is slated to return this season, and Foley gives Duke a veteran interior lineman to pair next to Wohlabaugh. Though Foley is from the lower-level competition, the Illinois native has the size (314 pounds) to hold up against ACC-level defensive linemen.
  • Kade Parmelly (transfer), OG: Like Foley, Parmelly is a veteran offensive guard that gives the Blue Devils much-needed depth. Also, like Foley, Parmelly transfers from a lower-tier school (Abilene Christian). Parmelly has the size (308 pounds) to hold up against the Power Five competition and should push some of the younger linemen for snaps if he does not start. At worst, Parmelly gives Duke some depth along the offensive line, something they’ve lacked recently.
  • Ja’Mion Franklin (transfer), DT: Notre Dame transfer Ja’Mion Franklin comes closer to home, transferring to Duke. The Devils’ defensive staff has to be excited that the 310-pound defensive tackle has three years of eligibility left. Franklin gives the Devils an interior lineman that can play over the center or the guard. But, most important, Franklin gives the Blue Devils some interior size.
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