Duke Spring Football Notebook: Blue Devils Begin Their Journey for 2025

As the calendar turns to spring, college football programs around the nation begin the grueling yet exciting task of preparation for the upcoming season. At Duke University, the Blue Devils are no different. Spring football practice is a critical period for teams to build on last year’s successes, fine-tune weaknesses, and create a foundation for what’s to come in the fall. Under head coach Mike Elko, Duke enters its second season under his leadership with high expectations and renewed energy.

Duke’s spring football session is the perfect time for players, coaches, and fans to get a glimpse into the team’s progress. From assessing returning players’ growth to evaluating new talent, spring ball is a key building block. The Blue Devils have several important questions to answer as they head into their spring practices, and these next few weeks will be a vital part of their development. This notebook will provide an in-depth look at the Blue Devils’ spring football outlook—what to expect, key storylines, position battles, and notable players.

Spring Practice Overview: Building on Success

Duke’s 2024 football season was a pivotal one. Under Elko, who took over in 2022, the Blue Devils showed steady improvement, culminating in a solid 9-4 record. The Blue Devils made their first bowl appearance since 2018 and demonstrated that they could compete with some of the top teams in the ACC. Heading into spring practice for 2025, expectations are higher than ever.

For Elko, the goal is clear: continue to build a sustainable, competitive program that competes with the best in the ACC and nationally. With a young and talented roster, Duke is poised to be a force in the conference. The spring is an opportunity to continue developing depth, fine-tune the systems, and solidify leadership heading into the summer months.

The spring practices run for several weeks, culminating in the Spring Game, where fans get an opportunity to see the progress the Blue Devils have made. Let’s take a closer look at what fans can expect to see as Duke begins its spring football campaign.

Key Areas of Focus: Position Battles and Leadership

While the Blue Devils have several returning stars, there are multiple areas of the roster that will be up for competition. Whether it’s for a starting job, a backup role, or simply the next man up, spring football practices are crucial for sorting out these battles. Let’s look at some of the biggest storylines surrounding Duke’s position groups as they get underway with spring football.

1. Quarterback Battle: Who Will Take the Reigns?

One of the most intriguing storylines of Duke’s spring practice is the quarterback battle. Last season, Riley Leonard, the team’s starting quarterback, was the heart and soul of the offense. However, with Leonard declaring for the NFL Draft, the Blue Devils have to find a new leader under center. With no clear frontrunner, the quarterback position is wide open.

A few potential candidates have emerged, including Jordan Moore, who has seen action as a dual-threat quarterback. Moore’s mobility and playmaking ability could give him the edge, but he’ll have to prove he can operate the offense effectively as a starter. Will Davis is another player to keep an eye on—he’s known for his strong arm and could bring a more traditional pocket-passing presence to the team.

The competition is set to be intense, and spring football will provide the first real test of who has the potential to lead the Blue Devils into the 2025 season. With so much uncertainty at the quarterback position, the spring practices will allow the coaching staff to evaluate how each candidate handles different game situations and how they mesh with the offense.

2. Defensive Line: Developing Depth and Consistency

Duke’s defense showed significant improvement last year under the guidance of defensive coordinator Robb Smith. The team’s defensive line was a key strength, but with several important players now graduated or lost to the NFL, the Blue Devils will need to develop new depth along the front.

The spring practices will be a crucial time for young players to step up and show they can fill the void. DeWayne Carter, who has been one of the most disruptive defensive linemen over the last few seasons, will be hard to replace. However, Jacolby Spells and James Keels Jr. are two players expected to take on bigger roles. Spells, in particular, is expected to have a breakout spring as he’s shown flashes of brilliance in previous seasons.

Additionally, incoming recruits will be looking to make an impact early. Freshman defensive linemen Travis Jackson and Tyreke Johnson are expected to compete for playing time right away. The competition along the defensive line is going to be one of the more exciting battles to watch as it will determine the Blue Devils’ ability to stop the run and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

3. Wide Receiver: Developing Chemistry with a New QB

Another key area for Duke this spring is the wide receiver position. With Riley Leonard’s departure, there’s uncertainty surrounding how the new quarterback will develop chemistry with the receiving corps. Fortunately, the Blue Devils return Jontavis Robertson and Jahmal Banks, two dynamic and experienced wide receivers who could be major contributors in 2025. Robertson, in particular, has shown explosive playmaking ability, while Banks brings a big-body target who excels in contested catches.

Duke also has an exciting young player in Elijah Stewart, a sophomore who has the speed and agility to stretch the field. How these wide receivers mesh with the new quarterback will be a key factor in determining the success of the passing game.

The competition at wide receiver will also give the Blue Devils the opportunity to develop more depth at the position. Tyrell Green and Jack Houston, both rising juniors, will look to carve out significant roles this spring. The development of this group will be important for Duke’s ability to put up points in a competitive ACC.

4. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback and Establishing the Run Game

The offensive line is another area that will be crucial to Duke’s success. With the departure of several key players from last season’s line, including Matt Dellea, there’s a need to establish consistency upfront. The Blue Devils return several experienced offensive linemen, including Willie Mays, Wyatt Miller, and Zach Dobbins, who will form the backbone of the unit.

The battle for the starting positions will be an interesting one, as younger players such as Luke Edwards and Brendan Timmons will look to step up and earn significant playing time. Spring football is a time for these offensive linemen to build cohesion, learn the nuances of the system, and get in sync with the quarterbacks.

An efficient offensive line will be essential to Duke’s offense—whether it’s opening holes in the running game for Jordan Waters and Ja’Marr Robinson, or providing the necessary time for the quarterback to throw downfield. Duke’s ability to establish a strong offensive line will go a long way in determining how well the team performs in 2025.

5. Linebackers: Finding Leadership and Playmakers

The linebacker corps will also be an area to watch during spring practices. With the graduation of veteran linebacker Shaka Heyward, the Blue Devils are looking to find leadership at the position. Derrick Tangelo and Darius Joiner will look to fill that void, but younger players like Will Harris and Kyle McMullen are expected to make strides this spring.

Duke will need a linebacker who can not only be a leader in the middle of the defense but also someone who can contribute in pass coverage and help stop the run. The spring practices will give coaches an opportunity to see who can take on this leadership role and make an impact on defense.

Key Spring Storylines to Follow

As Duke continues through its spring practices, several storylines will be closely monitored by fans, coaches, and analysts alike:

1. Quarterback Development – The new starter under center will be a major storyline to follow. Who steps up to take control of the offense, and how quickly do they develop chemistry with the receivers?
2. Defensive Line Depth – With some key departures, the development of younger players on the defensive line will be critical. Who steps up to take on a more prominent role?
3. Wide Receiver Chemistry – Can the Blue Devils find consistency in their passing game, and how will the receiving corps adapt to a new quarterback?
4. Offensive Line Cohesion – With changes up front, how well does the offensive line come together to protect the quarterback and establish the run game?
5. Linebacker Leadership – Who emerges as a leader on defense and helps solidify the linebacker corps?

The Blue Devils’ Spring to Remember

As the Duke Blue Devils enter spring football, there is an air of excitement surrounding the program. Coming off a successful 2024 season, the team is poised for further development under head coach Mike Elko. The spring practices will provide the necessary groundwork for building a successful 2025 season, with key position battles and leadership development being crucial focal points.

The Blue Devils will look to build upon their solid foundation, develop depth, and ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level in the ACC. With critical areas to address and key players to watch, spring football will set the tone for what should be an exciting season ahead. Whether it’s the battle at quarterback or the race for defensive dominance, this spring is a vital opportunity for Duke to continue its upward trajectory in college football. Fans should be excited for the journey ahead and the bright future that lies ahead for this program.

I hope this article provides a comprehensive look at Duke’s spring football outlook! Let me know if you’d like to add more details or adjust any section.