Durham, NC – Duke head football coach Mike Elko announced Wednesday that 26 student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to join the Blue Devil gridiron program.
The class includes four wide receivers, four defensive ends, three cornerbacks, three offensive linemen, three safeties, two defensive tackles, two linebackers, two running backs, two tight ends, and one quarterback.
A total of 11 states and Canada are represented in the group with five from North Carolina, four from Maryland and Virginia, three from Georgia, two from South Carolina and Tennessee, and one each from Alabama, Delaware, Florida, New York, Texas and Canada.
The Signing Class of 2023 consists of: Quentin Ajiero (CB | Acworth, Ga.), Desmond Aladuge (DE | Milford, Del.), David Anderson (DE | Hampton, Va.), Tony Boggs (DT | Wartrace, Tenn.), Vance Bolyard (TE | Greensboro, N.C.), Quran Boyd (WR | Virginia Beach, Va.), Sean Brown (WR | Winston-Salem, N.C.), Marquise Collins (RB | Bryan, Texas), Apollos Cook (WR | Lexington, S.C.), Caleb Dorris (OL | White House, Tenn.), Vincent Drolet (TE | Saint-Lazare, Canada), Leon Griffin III (S | Virginia Beach, Va.), River Hanson (S | Atlanta, Ga.), Ethan Hubbard (OL | Hoover, Ala.), Kendall Johnson (LB | Gaithersburg, Md.), Peyton Jones (RB | Norfolk, Va.), Spencer Jones (WR | Columbia, Md.), Moussa Kane (CB | Harlem, N.Y.), Grayson Loftis (QB | Gaffney, S.C.), Reagan McCranie (OL | Rutherfordton, N.C.), Luke Mergott (LB | Berlin, Md.), Kevin O’Connor (DE | Easton, Md.), Kimari Robinson (CB | Miramar, Fla.), Terry Simmons (DT | Savannah. Ga.), DaShawn Stone (S | Asheville, N.C.), and Semaj Turner (DE | Winston-Salem, N.C.).
Ajiero, Aladuge, Bolyard, Collins, Cook, Jones, Kane, Loftis, Mergott, and Turner are expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023.
Signing Day List:
Quentin Ajiero CB | 5-10 | 170 | Acworth, Ga. (North Cobb)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered three years at North Cobb under head coach Shane Queen
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 89 prospect from the state of Georgia by Rivals.com
- Charted as the No. 93 cornerback according to ESPN.com
- Compiled 100 career tackles, 13 pass breakups and one interception
- Named all-state and all-region and was tabbed the defensive captain during junior season
- Born on Sept. 16, 2004
- Son of Fred and Ego Ajiero
Desmond Aladuge DE | 6-4 | 250 | Milford, Del. (Milford)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered four years at Milford under head coach Shaun Strickland
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 113 edge in the country by 247Sports.com
- Charted as the No. 1 prospect from the state of Delaware according to ESPN.com
- Compiled 116 career tackles, 59 tackles for loss, 31 sacks, 69 quarterback pressures, five forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries
- During senior season, named unanimous lineman of the year as well as first team all-district as both a defensive end and offensive tackle
- Born on Dec. 28, 2004
- Son of Kola and Lula-Lynn Aladuge
David Anderson DE | 6-4 | 280 | Hampton, Va. (Kecoughtan)
- Lettered four years at Kecoughtan under head coach Jeff Super
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 128 defensive lineman in the country by Rivals.com
- Charted as the No. 30 and No. 38 prospect from the state of Virginia according to 247Sports.com and Rivals.com, respectively
- Helped Kecoughtan to an 8-4 record during senior season, including an appearance in the regional semifinals
- Collected 18 sacks and three forced fumbles in prep career
- Named first team all-district as both an offensive and defensive lineman
- Born on May 1, 2005
- Son of Lewis and Sueann Anderson
Tony Boggs DT | 6-4 | 280 | Wartrace, Tenn. (Baylor School)
- Lettered two years at Cascade under head coach Jake Tyre and two years at the Baylor School under head coach Eric Kimery
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 66 defensive tackle in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 28 and No. 36 prospect from the state of Tennessee according to ESPN.com and Rivals.com, respectively
- In two seasons at Cascade, compiled 105 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, and 22 sacks
- Two-time all-region pick
- In two seasons at the Baylor School, recorded 50 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and eight sacks, while helping the Red Raiders to a state championship as a senior
- Born on July 8, 2005
- Son of Kevin Brown and Melissa Boggs
Vance Bolyard TE | 6-4 | 235 | Greensboro, N.C. (Northern Guilford)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered three years at Northern Guilford under head coach Erik Westberg
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 23 tight end in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 23 and No. 29 prospect from the state of North Carolina according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com, respectively
- Recorded 41 career receptions for 555 yards and nine touchdowns
- Earned all-conference honors
- Born on Nov. 11, 2004
- Son of Joe and Karen Bolyard
Quran Boyd WR | 5-10 | 195 | Virginia Beach, Va. (Kempsville)
- Lettered four years at Kempsville under head coach Daryl Cherry
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and 247Sports.com
- Listed as the No. 112 athlete in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 36 and No. 39 prospect from the state of Virginia according to ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- During senior season, recorded 11 total touchdowns and 700-plus yards
- Throughout career, earned first team all-region honors as a wide receiver and two all-regional nods as a defensive back
- Garnered second team all-region accolades as a punt return specialist
- Born on Aug. 7, 2004
- Son of Benjamin Russell and Christy Boyd
Sean Brown WR | 5-8 | 160 | Winston-Salem, N.C. (East Forsyth)
- Lettered two years at East Forsyth under head coach Todd Willert
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 110 athlete in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 30, No. 33, and No. 34 prospect from the state of North Carolina according to Rivals.com, 247Sports.com and ESPN.com, respectively
- During final two seasons, compiled 93 receptions for 1,977 yards and 43 touchdowns
- Two-time all-state and all-conference choice, and was tabbed the conference’s player of the year as a junior
- Named a 2022 Shrine Bowl selection
- Born on Aug. 22, 2005
- Son of Eric Brown and Shaniqua Johnson
Marquise Collins RB | 5-9 | 190 | Bryan, Texas (College Station)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered three years at College Station under head coaches Steve Huff and Stony Pryor
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 10 all-purpose running back in the country by Rivals.com
- Charted as the No. 90 prospect from the state of Texas according to Rivals.com
- Compiled 3,877 rushing yards and 4,582 all-purpose yards with 64 touchdowns during first three seasons, missing senior campaign due to injury
- Helped College Station to a 36-2 record in three years, including a 2021 state championship
- Garnered all-state offensive MVP and all-district MVP honors and was named a freshman All-American and two-time first team all-district running back
- Born on May 17, 2005
- Son of Philip Collins and Markeshia Mack
Apollos Cook WR | 6-3 | 215 | Lexington, S.C. (Airport)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered three years at Airport under head coach Andre Cook
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 188 wide receiver in the country by 247Sports.com
- Charted as the No. 23, No. 26, and No. 27 prospect from the state of South Carolina according to Rivals.com, ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- Recorded 93 career receptions for 1,412 yards with 15 touchdowns
- Two-time all-state, first team all-region and Airport’s offensive player of the year
- Born on Jan. 9, 2005
- Son of Andre and Angela Cook
Caleb Dorris OL | 6-6 | 265 | White House, Tenn. (Ensworth School)
- Lettered four years at Ensworth School under head coach Roc Batten
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 116 offensive tackle in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 35 and No. 39 prospect from the state of Tennessee according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com, respectively
- Recorded 91 pancake blocks
- All-region selection by the Daily Memphian
- Helped lead the Ensworth School to a 14-8 ledger during final two seasons
- Born on Oct. 11, 2004
- Son of James and Lauree Dorris
Vincent Drolet TE | 6-5 | 220 | Saint-Lazare, Canada (Choate Rosemary Hall [Conn.])
- Lettered two years at College Bourget in Quebec under head coach Steve Landry and two years at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn., under head coach Lawrence Spinnato
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 40 tight end in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 6 and No. 10 prospect from the state of Connecticut according to ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- As a senior at Choate Rosemary Hall, recorded 547 yards with six touchdowns and was named first team all-Founders League
- Helped Choate Rosemary Hall to a 15-3 ledger, including consecutive playoff victories
- In two seasons at College Bourget surpassed 2,000-plus receiving yards, while leading the team to a 16-2 record and two league championships
- Born on Oct. 2, 2003
- Son of Gaetan Drolet and Julie Lavoie
Leon Grifin III S | 5-11 | 190 | Virginia Beach, Va. (Bayside)
- Lettered four years at Bayside under head coach Johnathan White
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 68 safety in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 33 prospect from the state of Virginia according to ESPN.com
- Recorded 110 tackles, 20 pass breakups and four interceptions
- Served as a return specialist, returning one punt for a TD as a junior
- Two-time all-district selection as a defensive back
- Born on March 8, 2005
- Son of Leon Griffin Jr., and Kimberly Jones
River Hanson S | 6-1 | 205 | Atlanta, Ga. (Woodward Academy)
- Lettered four years at Woodward under head coach John Hunt
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 105 safety in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 95 prospect from the state of Georgia according to Rivals.com
- Recorded 234 career tackles, four tackles for loss, five interceptions, three interception returns for touchdowns, 12 passes defended and one forced fumble
- Helped Woodward to a 44-9 ledger and four playoff appearances
- Named honorable mention all-state as a junior and three-time all-region pick
- Born on July 7, 2005
- Son of Alan and Veronica Hanson
Ethan Hubbard OL | 6-6 | 285 | Hoover, Ala. (Hoover)
- Lettered two years at Hoover under head coach Wade Waldrop
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 101 offensive tackle in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 40 prospect from the state of Alabama according to ESPN.com
- Started 26 games along the offensive line, allowing just three sacks and 12 quarterback pressures
- Helped Hoover to a 22-4 ledger, including consecutive state semifinal appearances
- Born on Nov. 11, 2004
- Son of Brian and Katie Hubbard
Kendall Johnson LB | 6-3 | 200 | Gaithersburg, Md. (Quince Orchard)
- Lettered two years at Quince Orchard under head coach John Kelly
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and 247Sports.com
- Listed as the No. 53 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 12 and No. 19 prospect from the state of Maryland according to ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- Recorded 92 tackles and 14 sacks, while also earning 13 touchdowns as a TE
- Set school record for touchdowns by a tight end with 12 during senior season
- Helped lead Quince Orchard to a 28-0 ledger and back-to-back Maryland 4A State Championship titles over final two seasons
- Named two-time first team all-Met and the MCPS 4A Player of the Year as a senior
- Born on Aug. 16, 2004
- Son of Marcus and Wendy Johnson
Peyton Jones RB | 5-10 | 190 | Norfolk, Va. (Maury)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered four years at Maury under head coach Dyrri McCain
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 46 athlete in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 17 and No. 22 prospect from the state of Virginia according to Rivals.com and ESPN.com, respectively
- During final two years at Maury, recorded 3,273 all-purpose yards and 34 touchdowns
- Helped Maury to a 37-7 ledger and three state championships
- Collected All-America honors and was named the Eastern District Player of the Year
- Born on Jan. 24, 2005
- Son of Dorian Jones and Gwenevere Crisler
Spencer Jones WR | 6-4 | 195 | Columbia, Md. (Our Lady of Good Counsel)
- Lettered three years at Our Lady of Good Counsel under head coach Andy Steffanelli
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 138 wide receiver in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 22 prospect from the state of Maryland according to ESPN.com
- Recorded 28 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns as a senior
- Helped Our Lady of Good Counsel to 16 wins and consecutive playoff appearances
- Named Second Team All-WCAC
- Born on May 16, 2005
- Son of Rodney and Nacole Jones
Moussa Kane CB | 6-1 | 190 | Harlem, N.Y. (Blair Academy [N.J.])
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered two years at Blair Academy under head coach Greg Bowman
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 44 athlete in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 10, No. 15, and No. 19 prospect from the state of New Jersey according to ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com, respectively
- Named team captain
- Two-time first team all-state honoree
- Born on Sept. 28, 2004
- Son of Mamadou Kane and Aminata Doumbia
Grayson Loftis QB | 6-3 | 200 | Gaffney, S.C. (Gaffney)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered four years at Gaffney under head coach Dan Jones
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 24 and No. 29 pro style quarterback in the country by ESPN.com and Rivals.com, respectively
- Charted as the No. 10 and No. 1 prospect from the state of South Carolina according to ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- Throughout final three seasons, compiled 6,965 passing yards and 55 touchdowns
- Helped Gaffney to a 28-16 ledger, including an undefeated season (15-0) and a 2021 state championship as a junior
- Named Region Offensive Player of the Year, two-time all-state and three-time all-region
- Born on Oct. 18, 2004
- Son of Shane and Amanda Loftis
Reagan McCranie OL | 6-2 | 330 | Rutherfordton, N.C. (Chase)
- Lettered four years at Chase under head coach Chris Cogdill
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and 247Sports.com
- Listed as the No. 75 offensive guard in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 33 and No. 35 prospect from the state of North Carolina according to ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- Recorded 59 pancake blocks, in addition to defensive totals of 63 tackles, six sacks, six tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and one blocked PAT
- Two-time Mountain Foothills 7 Lineman of the Year pick, and three-time all-state and all-conference honoree
- Selected the two-time recipient of the team’s Kevin Keeter Memorial Award.
- Born on Sept. 13, 2004
- Son of Jeff and Kim McCranie
Luke Mergott LB | 6-3 | 215 | Berlin, Md. (Stephen Decatur)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered four years at Stephen Decatur under head coach Jake Coleman
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com and 247Sports.com
- Listed as the No. 58 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 16 prospect from the state of Maryland according to ESPN.com
- In final three seasons, compiled 154 tackles, 12 sacks, and eight interceptions while adding 95 receptions for 1,357 yards and 38 touchdowns
- Two-time Bayside Conference Defensive Player of the Year pick, three-time first team all-Bayside conference and honorable mention all-state choice
- Born on Nov. 18, 2004
- Son of Dan Mergott and Amy Fenzel-Mergott
Kevin O’Connor DE | 6-4 | 220 | Easton, Md. (Easton)
- Lettered three years at Easton under head coach Matt Griffith
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 39 outside linebacker in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 10 and No. 11 prospect from the state of Maryland according to ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- Recorded 156 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks
- Added 4,200 passing yards during final two seasons
- Three-time first team all-conference and honorable mention all-state choice
- Born on June 18, 2005
- Son of Jim and Ann O’Connor
Kimari Robinson CB | 5-10 | 170 | Miramar, Fla. (St. Thomas Aquinas School)
- Lettered three years at St. Thomas Aquinas School under head coach Roger Harriott
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 105 and No. 109 cornerback in the country by 247Sports.com and ESPN.com, respectively
- Charted as the No. 146 prospect from the state of Florida according to 247Sports.com
- Recorded 65 tackles, two forced fumbles, 20 pass breakups, and one interception
- Helped St. Thomas Aquinas to a 28-1 ledger over final two seasons with two state championships
- Born on Feb. 25, 2005
- Son of Ian Henderson and Kimberly Robinson-Henderson
Terry Simmons Jr. DT | 6-2 | 310 | Savannah, Ga. (Calvary Day School)
- Lettered four years at Calvary Day School under head coach Mark Stroud
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 26 defensive tackle in the country by Rivals.com
- Charted as the No. 46 prospect from the state of Georgia according to Rivals.com
- Over final three years, recorded 139 tackles, 61 tackles for loss, and 16 sacks
- Helped Calvary Day School to a 39-11 ledger and three consecutive playoff appearances
- Named four-time all-region pick, and three-time all-state and all-city choice
- Born on March 6, 2005
- Son of Terry Simmons Sr. and Andrea Wiggins
DaShawn Stone S | 6-3 | 190 | Asheville, N.C. (A.C. Reynolds)
- Lettered four years at A.C. Reynolds under head coach Shane Law
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 55 safety in the country by ESPN.com
- Charted as the No. 24 and No. 29 prospect from the state of North Carolina according to ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- Over last three seasons, compiled 220 tackles and eight interceptions
- Helped A.C. Reynolds to a 42-11 ledger and four consecutive playoff appearances
- Three-time all-conference choice and a 2022 Shrine Bowl selection
- Born on March 13, 2005
- Son of Dewayne and Misty Beck
Semaj Turner DE | 6-3 | 240 | Winston-Salem, N.C. (Ronald Wilson Reagan)
- Expected to enroll at Duke in January, 2023
- Lettered four years at Ronald Wilson Reagan under head coach Josh McGee
- Rated a three-star prospect by ESPN.com, 247Sports.com and Rivals.com
- Listed as the No. 59 strongside defensive end in the country by Rivals.com
- Charted as the No. 21, No. 21, and No. 25 prospect from the state of North Carolina according to ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com, respectively
- During final two seasons, compiled 165 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 32 sacks and one caused fumble
- As a junior, named Central Piedmont 4A Defensive Player of the Year after setting school record with 17.5 sacks
- 2022 Shrine Bowl selection as a senior and first team all-state and all-area honoree
- Born on Jan. 21, 2005
- Son of Darrell and Cleopatra Turner