Fall camp has come and gone for Duke football.
The Blue Devils opened camp on July 28, exactly one month before their season opener against Elon on Aug. 28, and concluded its second scrimmage of camp on Aug. 15. With camp complete, the team now turns its focus to the Phoenix to kick off its 2025 campaign.
Advertisement
“Today was our preparation for game week,” coach Manny Diaz said on an Aug. 18 media availability. “We’re completely dialed in on Elon. First time starting to work on schemes other than just going offense versus defense. I think that was a welcome change. I think we’re ready to set our attention on somebody else … We’re not very far off from game day and that excites everyone in our program.”
Diaz is entering his second season at the helm of the Blue Devils’ program, leading them to a 9-4 mark in 2024 with an appearance in the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl. Duke returns 14 starters from last year’s squad while bringing in 28 signees from its 2025 recruiting class – Diaz’s first – and adding nine additions from the transfer portal.
Where Diaz has seen Duke football grow, positives through fall camp
Diaz praised his team’s effort and consistency during camp, noting that they maintained a physical edge and practiced intentionally.
Advertisement
“I just think the guys have brought it,” Diaz said. “Everybody can say that they’re about wanting to accomplish great things, but normally that that passion, that steam sometimes burns out, you know, during the tough days of training camp. I’m just proud that our guys, they brought it every day.”
Another positive: the Blue Devils have not dealt with major injuries through fall camp. Question marks still surround the return of All-ACC safety Terry Moore after tearing his ACL in Duke’s bowl game versus Ole Miss. Diaz said on Monday that Moore is continuing to work with trainers and has not yet returned to practice.
RANKING OPPONENTS: Ranking Duke football’s opponents from toughest to easiest ahead of the 2025 season
TEXAS CONNECTION: Duke football reunites childhood friends and Texas natives Chandler Rivers and Landen King
Advertisement
Where does Diaz still seek improvement for the Blue Devils?
While praising the team’s effort, Diaz said the team’s biggest area for growth is developing depth across the roster.
“Where we’re still looking for growth – and this is probably a familiar refrain across the country – is developing our depth,” he said. “We signed a big recruiting class a year ago, we’re really excited about those guys that we signed. But we can get young at a hurry at some positions. Whether that’s in the secondary, whether it’s in the offensive line, you’re never going to make it through a season with your first 22.”
Duke’s 2025 recruiting class ranked No. 31 overall, per the 247Sports Composite, marking its highest class in recent years. It is highlighted by four-stars Bryce Davis, who flipped from Clemson, and Bradley Gompers.
Advertisement
Diaz added he does like Duke’s depth at certain positions: the front seven on defense, wide receiver, running back and tight end. Key returners on the front seven include Wesley Williams and Vincent Anthony Jr., while the wide receiver room is bolstered by transfers Andrel Anthony and Cooper Barkate. Landen King strengthens the tight end group, and in the running back room, Jacquez Moore returns from injury alongside Peyton Jones, who stepped up as a leader last season, and transfer Anderson Castle. True freshman Nate Sheppard has also drawn praise during camp for his contributions in the backfield.
“But we’re just not there yet at all the spots,” Diaz said. “So I think, I think that’s the one part. And what we’re continuing to hammer away at.”
Anna Snyder covers Duke for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at asnyder@gannett.com or follow her @annaesnydr on X, formerly known as Twitter.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Duke football: Where Manny Diaz saw growth, seeks improvement after fall camp
