Football Welcomes 26-Member Class on Signing Day

12/21/2022 2:29:00 PM | Football

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DURHAM — 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 | 298 | 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