Duke Football: 3 upperclassmen who must step up in 2022

1. Jordan Waters, RB

The running game for Duke was interesting last season. Mateo Durant ran back for over 1,200 yards and nine touchdowns but averaged well under 200 rushing yards as a team. The Blue Devils did not have a good rushing game if Durant did not have a good rushing game.

Durant is gone, and the Blue Devils could consider a “by committee” approach to running the football this fall. Waters will be in the mix if that is the case. Waters has an edge on the rest of the running backs because he came to Durham as a wide receiver, which gives him versatility.

As Johns and the rest of the offensive staff figure out the offense and the two-deep roster, Waters’s ability to catch the football gives him the versatility to keep him on the field for three downs.

In many ways, what Johns and the offensive staff do with Waters is limited to their imagination. If Jordan Moore (recruited as a wide receiver) starts, Waters would be a great compliment in the backfield.

Johns could keep him on the field with another running back and move him out to the slot or wide. Waters gives the offense a lot of flexibility because of his ability as a pass-catcher. Whether Riley Leonard or Jordan Moore starts this fall, having a reliable running game will help the new quarterback adjust.