A New Era for the Blue Devils' Kicking Game
Duke’s special‑teams coordinator announced a series of adjustments that will take effect when the Blue Devils travel to face Tulane on September 5. The most visible change involves Cosme Salas, who spent the previous season handling kickoffs but will now serve as the primary field‑goal kicker, taking over from veteran Todd Pelino.
Last year the team struggled to convert attempts beyond 40 yards, finishing 89th in the Football Bowl Subdivision with just 14 made field goals out of 19 tries. Pelino’s misses were all from that longer range, yet he remained flawless inside 40 yards, going 8‑for‑8. Salas brings a different profile: his 34 touchbacks on 46 kickoffs demonstrated a knack for flipping field position, a skill the staff hopes to translate into a more reliable kicking leg.
Punting duties remain in familiar hands. Kade Reynoldson, who averaged 44.61 yards per punt as a sophomore, will continue to flip the field for Duke’s offense. His reliability gives the defense better starting field position and complements the new kicking approach.
Long snapping stays anchored by Jack Yates, the starter at that critical spot, with Jack Ronilo listed as the backup. The unit also retains Kade Reynoldson as the holder on kickoffs, ensuring seamless timing for Salas and the return game.
Jayden Moore, a freshman, earned the starting role for both punt and kickoff returns, averaging 25.33 yards per return. His agility provides a spark for the offense, while Nate Sheppard serves as the backup return specialist, though his productivity is tempered by injury concerns.
Ashton Zamani will act as Salas’s backup on kickoffs, giving the team depth should the primary kicker need rest or face fatigue. The combined experience of these players aims to address the shortcomings of last season while leveraging proven strengths such as Salas’s touchback rate and Reynoldson’s punting consistency.