ACC Football: Most impactful newcomers for each team

Duke Blue Devils

In the transfer portal, Dan Volpe, offensive tackle: Head coach Mike Elko and offensive coordinator Kevin Johns went heavy along the offensive line. Among the linemen they signed were Stanford transfer Jake Hornibrook, Penn transfer Ben Hotnik, and Towson transfer Dan Volpe.

Volpe and Hornibrook will compete with senior Graham Barton for the starting job at tackle. Volpe was an FCS Freshman All-American for Towson and will come to the school in January.

Peyton Jones, Running Back: There is much to like about incoming freshman running back Peyton Jones. He was initially listed as an athlete, but Elko and the offensive staff seem to like him as a running back. He is dynamic in space and can run with power between the tackles. Jones can also catch the football out of the backfield.

Jones totaled 3,200 all-purpose yards and 34 touchdowns in his last two seasons at Maury High School, where they played for the state title two years in a row. Jones could be a solid complement next to senior Jordan Waters.

Al Blades, Jr., Cornerback: Miami transfer Al Blades gives the Blue Devils a veteran defensive back that has played much football. Blades has 41 games played at Coral Gables, giving Duke some much-needed depth in the defensive backfield.

Blades also give the Blue Devils some versatility at defensive back. He can play the slot or the outside. 2022 was a bounce-back year after having health issues in 2021 after having such a solid season in 2020.