Is Duke Football an ACC Darkhorse contender in 2023?

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Dec 28, 2022; Annapolis, Maryland, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Riley Leonard (13) looks to throw on the run during the second half of the 2022 Military Bowl against the Central Florida Knights at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Will Riley Leonard play like a dark horse Heisman Candidate for Duke Football?

The defense gets a lot of the credit for the turnaround at Duke last season, but the offense improved tremendously. Duke’s offense scored ten more points per game in 2022 than in 2021. Much of that has to do with quarterback Riley Leonard. The true junior signal-caller led the Blue Devils in passing and rushing.

Elko and offensive coordinator Kevin Johns would like to find ways to take some of the burden from Leonard for no reason other than to ensure he stays healthy the entire season. All three of their top running backs return, and hopefully, Jaylen Coleman can stay healthy all season.

That said, the Blue Devils need one of their running backs to establish themselves as “the guy” in the backfield.

Leonard spread the wealth in the passing game. Five receivers had at least 20 receptions in 2022. All five of those receivers return, including leading receiver Jalon Calhoun.

How good the offensive line was for Duke football last season cannot be understated. It led the ACC in sacks allowed, and Graham Barton was an All-ACC tackle. Like the rest of the offense, most of its pieces return. Stanford transfer Jake Hornibrook will be a solid welcome addition at left tackle to round out a solid offensive line.

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