The defensive back seven was decimated by injuries in 2025 so if one thing could change for 2026 better health would be at the top of the list. If there is a silver lining to last season's injury cloud, it is that lots of players had to step up and in the process they gained invaluable experience.
Continuing with the approach of looking at returning talent, portal acquisitions and incoming true freshmen, let's start with the linebackers which should be a position of strength due to all the returning experience and talent.
Luke Mergott started 2025 as a reserve but ended the season as a star with game sealing interceptions in both the ACC Championship Game and the Sun Bowl. Mergott recorded 90 tackles, which was the second most by a Blue Devil during the 2025 season.
Four additional linebackers with significant experience return: Nick Morris, Jr. (785 career snaps), Kendall Johnson (648 career snaps), Bradley Gompers (190 career snaps) and Elliot Schaper (118 career snaps). Those snaps are not just raw numbers but rather represent much production. The linebacker position was hurt by injuries in 2025. Can these experienced and talented players stay healthy? The talent and experience are there if the players can remain on the field.
Defensive end is another position where Duke will be relying on returning talent. Tyshon Reed, Kevin O'Connor, Kobe Smith, Bryce Davis and Semaj Turner have only one start between them but they have combined to play 2,042 snaps over 100 games. These experienced players must step up into the starters role in 2026.
#returning #position
Continuing with the approach of looking at returning talent, portal acquisitions and incoming true freshmen, let's start with the linebackers which should be a position of strength due to all the returning experience and talent.
Luke Mergott started 2025 as a reserve but ended the season as a star with game sealing interceptions in both the ACC Championship Game and the Sun Bowl. Mergott recorded 90 tackles, which was the second most by a Blue Devil during the 2025 season.
Four additional linebackers with significant experience return: Nick Morris, Jr. (785 career snaps), Kendall Johnson (648 career snaps), Bradley Gompers (190 career snaps) and Elliot Schaper (118 career snaps). Those snaps are not just raw numbers but rather represent much production. The linebacker position was hurt by injuries in 2025. Can these experienced and talented players stay healthy? The talent and experience are there if the players can remain on the field.
Defensive end is another position where Duke will be relying on returning talent. Tyshon Reed, Kevin O'Connor, Kobe Smith, Bryce Davis and Semaj Turner have only one start between them but they have combined to play 2,042 snaps over 100 games. These experienced players must step up into the starters role in 2026.
#returning #position
2 months ago
