Duke Football: Can the Blue Devils rebound in 2022?
Blue Devils need a lot of help on defense
The Blue Devils hired Elko to run the entire football team, but he will need to work his magic on the defense, which is a mess. Last season, Duke football ranked last in the ACC in almost major defensive categories while ranking near the nation’s last, if not last.
The Blue Devils ranked 127th in the nation in points allowed per game (39.8) and last (130th) in total yards allowed per game (517.9). Elko hired long-time defensive coordinator Robb Smith to lead the linebackers and Jess Simpson, who has college and professional coaching experience, to lead the defensive line. Both Smith and Simpson will be the co-defensive coordinators in the 2022 season.
Duke football felt more confident with the defensive line last season and, likely, the same going into the 2022 season. The Blue Devils return two starters from last year in junior defensive end R.J. Oben and junior defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, their most experienced player.
Carter is entering his second full season as the starting three-technique defensive tackle after he accounted for 36 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and four forced fumbles. While Oben takes the starting position on one side of the edge, Ahmad Craig and Michael Reese Jr. compete for the other starting edge spot. The battle for the nose guard starting position is down to 6-6; 302 lbs Christian Rorie and 6-2; 311 lbs Ja’Mion Franklin.
Coach Elko and his assistants expect more efficiency from the front seven as missed tackles plagued the defense last season.
The changing of the defensive front to a 4-2-5 looks to be the answer to this potential recurring problem. Redshirt senior Shaka Heyward returns as the mike linebacker to lead the Blue Devils’ defense. Heyward led the team in total tackles (97) and tackles for loss (10.5). Duke’s other returning starter in junior Dorian Mausi will be the primary weakside linebacker.
The defensive backs for the Blue Devils in the area that needed the most attention, not because they needed to be five new full-time starters, but because they were so inefficient last season. The Blue Devils ranked 129th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (311.8).
It will not be any easier this season with three of the five projected starters being sophomores. Adding former Iowa State Cyclone cornerback Datrone Young gives the secondary immediate efficiency and leadership.
Young has accounted for 30 tackles in the last two seasons. Jaylen Stinson comes in as a full-time starter at safety after accounting for 41 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, and three pass breakups.