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Duke Football: 3 upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

By Dante Pryor

Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Eli Pancol (6) smiles as he runs out during the first half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2021; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Eli Pancol (6) smiles as he runs out during the first half of the game against the Miami Hurricanes at Wallace Wade Stadium. at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Datrone Young (2) tackles Oregon Ducks wide receiver Johnny Johnson III (3) during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Datrone Young (2) tackles Oregon Ducks wide receiver Johnny Johnson III (3) during the second half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Datrone Young, CB

Duke’s secondary loses Leonard Johnson and Josh Blackwell from last season’s unit. That could be an addition by subtraction simply because the secondary did not play well last season, allowing 311.8 yards passing per game and 32 touchdowns last season.

The Blue Devils allowed two or more touchdown passes in 11 of 12 games last season, including a season-high five touchdowns against Louisville.

The Blue Devils come into this season inexperienced in the secondary. They are likely to play at least three sophomores who did not play a lot as freshmen. That inexperience makes Iowa State transfer Datrone Young so important this fall.

Young, a senior transfer, is expected to start for the Blue Devils this fall. Young gives Duke a proven veteran who has played a load of snaps against good competition in the Big 12. He also comes from a program that has won many games and has a winning pedigree.

Young would have had to battle for snaps in Ames with what was expected to be a crowded secondary room. Iowa State’s loss is Duke’s gain.

The Florida native gives Duke a much-needed veteran in the secondary, and the Blue Devils will need him to play his best football this fall if the defense is to improve.

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