Duke Football: Can Blue Devils return to the postseason in 2021?

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Dec 5, 2020; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Miami Hurricanes quarterback D’Eriq King (1) carries the football against Duke Blue Devils safety Jaylen Stinson (16) in the second half at Wallace Wade Stadium. The Miami Hurricanes won 48-0. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-USA TODAY Sports /

The Blue Devils finished just 98th in total defense last season

The strength of last season’s defense was the pass rush. However, most of that pass rush production is now in the NFL. Pass-rushing ends Chris Rumph II and Victor Dimukeje, and their 15.5 sacks are gone.

To remedy this, former defensive tackle Ben Frye moves outside to tackle, and 300-pounders Gary Smith III and DeWayne Carter give the Blue Devils some beef in the middle of an undersized and inexperienced defensive line.

Linebacker Shaka Heyward is arguably the best player on the team, leading the Blue Devils in tackles last season. Dorian Mausi is undersized but fast and athletic at the other linebacker spot. The strength and talent defensively this season is the secondary.

Duke is big and physical on the backend, with every defensive back six feet or taller. Bookend corners Josh Blackwell and Leonard Johnson are as solid as there is in the ACC. The Blue Devils also get Lummie Young IV back from injury. Young and Blackwell’s health are critical to Duke’s success.

Health is critical for Duke’s success on defense, given their lack of overall depth. The talent of the starting 11 is solid, but the Blue Devils cannot afford to lose any of their starting talent to an injury that puts them out for an extended period or the entire season.

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