The Duke Blue Devils are reshaping their defensive backfield after a wave of departures that left a noticeable gap at safety. Star safety Terry Moore, who transferred to Ohio State, will not be easy to replace, but the coaching staff sees an opportunity to inject fresh energy into the unit.
A New Era in the Defensive Backfield
Head coach Manny Diaz and defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke have turned to redshirt junior DaShawn Stone, who emerged as a standout defender last season, and to transfer Patrick Smith‑Young, a former North Texas standout who recorded 73 tackles and three pass breakups. Stone brings a blend of size and instincts that the staff believes can anchor the secondary, while Smith‑Young adds aggressive playmaking ability that complements Stone’s reliability.
Both players are expected to lead the Duke secondary, with additional support from other contributors such as Leon Griffin III, KD Cotton, Brady Winter, Andrew Pelliccoiotta and Chandler Rivers. The depth chart reflects a balanced mix of experience and potential, allowing the staff to experiment with different formations without a steep drop in performance.
Depth and Flexibility
Coaches emphasize that while the loss of Moore is not ideal, the combination of experience and fresh talent provides a viable path to maintain competitiveness in the ACC. The program’s recruiting pipeline and player development philosophy suggest that the secondary will remain a strong point throughout the season.
Looking ahead, the Blue Devils are focused on integrating Stone and Smith‑Young into the defensive scheme while preserving the aggressive, ball‑hawking style that has defined Duke’s recent defenses. If the early practice reports are any indication, the rebuilt secondary could be a key factor in the team’s pursuit of a conference title.