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Duke Football Honors 2022 Award Winners
1/14/2023 10:24:00 PM | Football
DURHAM – Sophomore quarterback Riley Leonard was named the recipient of the Carmen Falcone Team Most Valuable Player Award as head coach Mike Elko and the Blue Devils football program handed out team honors at the Duke Football Awards event on Saturday evening.
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The Blue Devils also acknowledged 30 departing seniors and 66 letterwinners during the show.
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Leonard, a 6-4, 212-pound native of Fairhope, Ala., completed 250-of-392 pass attempts (.638) for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns, while leading the team in rushing with 699 yards on 124 carries with 13 scores. He finished one of just two quarterbacks nationally to register 20-plus passing and 13-plus rushing touchdowns the year, a first in Blue Devil history. The Honorable Mention All-ACC selection and Military Bowl MVP compiled three 300-plus yard passing games, including a career-best 391 yards and four touchdowns against Wake Forest. He added a career best rushing performance against North Carolina after registering 14 carries for 130 yards and one score. Leonard concluded the season by setting Duke's record for touchdowns responsible for with 33, while also ranking tied for second in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and fourth in rushing yards by quarterback.
Other honorees included Vincent Anthony Jr. (Rookie of the Year Award), Graham Barton (Offensive Lineman of the Year Award), Jack Burns (K.D. Kennedy Iron Devil Award), Jalon Calhoun (Offensive Skill Player of the Year Award), DeWayne Carter (Defensive Lineman of the Year Award & Steve Brooks Captain Award), Ja'Mion Franklin (Ace Parker Award), Jeremiah Hasley (Sonny Falcone Iron Duke Award), Shaka Heyward (Defensive MVP Award & Steve Brooks Captain Award), Brandon Johnson (Cutcliffe Family Award), Darius Joiner (Defensive Skill Player of the Year Award), Nick Lampert (Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year Award), Jacob Monk (Steve Brooks Captain Award), Jordan Moore (Micah Harris Trinity Teammate Award), Joshua Pickett (Mike Suglia Award), Chandler Rivers (Rookie of the Year Award), Ryan Smith (Special Teams Player of the Year Award), Wesley Williams (Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year Award). Riley also earned the Offensive MVP Award.
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Anthony, a freshman defensive end from Durham, earned the rookie of the year award. He started in 12-of-13 games for the Blue Devils and finished with 28 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two pass breakups, three quarterback pressures and one fumble recovery. Anthony helped Duke rank fourth in the ACC in rushing defense, allowing just 121.08 yards per outing, and hold five-of-12 opponents to under 100 yards rushing for an average of just 3.73 yards per carry with eight rushing scores.
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Barton, a junior offensive tackle from Brentwood, Tenn., received the offensive lineman of the year award. He started all 13 games for the Blue Devils at left tackle, helping the offense accumulate 2,394 rushing and 3,010 passing yards. The First Team All-ACC selection also helped Duke register 31 rushing touchdowns, which set a program record for a single season. Barton anchored an offensive line unit that ranked first in the ACC in sacks allowed (17) and tackles for loss allowed (51). At the end of the year, he was tabbed an Honorable Mentioned All-American by Phil Steele.
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Burns, a graduate student center from Kansas City, Kan., received the K.D. Kennedy Iron Devil Award, which is presented annually to a player who demonstrates the most heart, durability, and toughness throughout the year. He helped Duke's offensive line unit rank first in the ACC in sacks allowed (17), first in tackles for loss allowed (51), second in rushing touchdowns (31), second in time of possession (32:52) and third in rushing offense (184.15).
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Calhoun, a junior wide receiver from Greenville, S.C., collected the offensive skill player of the year award. He garnered three All-ACC postseason honors after being tabbed to the third team as a wide receiver and return specialist and honorable mention as an all-purpose player. Calhoun hauled in a team-best 62 passes for 873 yards and four touchdowns this season. He became the 11th player in program history to eclipse 2,000 career receiving yards and finished the year with 2,360 to rank ninth all-time in Duke history.
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Carter, a redshirt junior defensive tackle from Pickerington, Ohio, earned the defensive lineman of the year award. He also received the Steve Brooks Captain Award, which is presented to the team's captains for their leadership throughout the season. The Second Team All-ACC pick tallied 36 tackles, with a team-best 11.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. In addition, he finished tied for first in the ACC and tied for third nationally in fumble recoveries (three) and tied for fourth in the ACC and tied for 13th nationally in forced fumbles (three). At the end of the year, Carter was tabbed a Third Team All-American by College Football Network.
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Franklin, a redshirt senior defensive tackle from Ridgely, Md., received the Ace Parker Award, which is presented annually to an individual who overcomes adversity to contribute. Parker, one of 12 former Duke players and coaches to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame, was a two-time All-America pick in 1935 and 1936. Following his successful NFL career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. This season, Franklin registered 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, five pass breakups, two quarterback pressures and one fumble recovery during his first full season as a starter.
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The Sonny Falcone Iron Duke Award is presented annually to the developmental player who had the best fall in the weight room. This year, the winner was Hasley, a freshman linebacker from Gibsonia, Pa. During his first year in Durham, he saw action in four games.
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Heyward, a redshirt senior linebacker from Dacula, Ga., earned the defensive MVP award. In addition, he was also acknowledged with the Steve Brooks Captain Award. The Honorable Mention All-ACC selection finished second on team in tackles (93), pass breakups (six) and fumble recoveries (two), while being tied for the team lead in interceptions (two). Heyward finished his Duke career tied for eighth in program history in career fumble recoveries (five), 12th in career TFLs (32.5), 13th in career tackles (339), and tied for 14th in career sacks (11.5).
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Johnson, a sophomore safety from Newton, N.C., received the Cutcliffe Family Award, which is awarded to the overall most improved player in the program. The Honorable Mention All-ACC honoree finished the season ranking tied for first on the team in sacks (5.5), tied for first in pass breakups (seven), tied for second in interceptions (two), and third in tackles for loss (7.5).
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Joiner, a graduate student safety from Roanoke, Ala., received the defensive skill player of the year award. The Third Team All-ACC pick started all 13 games during his lone season in Durham and finished ranking first on the team in tackles (97), tied for first in interceptions (two), second in tackles for loss (8.0), and fourth in sacks (4.0) and fourth in quarterback pressures (five). In addition, he added five pass breakups and one forced fumble. At the conclusion of the season, Joiner held a Pro Football Focus grade of 88.7, which ranked fourth nationally among safeties.
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Lampert, a sophomore wide receiver from Miami, Fla., received the offensive scout team player of the year award. During his second year in Durham, he saw action in two games making one reception for seven yards.
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Monk received the Steve Brooks Captain Award, which is presented to the team's captains for their leadership throughout the season. The senior from Clayton, N.C., helped the offense accumulate 2,394 rushing and 3,010 passing yards. The Honorable Mention All-ACC selection also helped Duke register 31 rushing touchdowns, which set a program record for a single season. Monk was a key factor as to why the offensive line unit ranked first in the ACC in sacks allowed (17) and tackles for loss allowed (51).Â
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Moore, a sophomore wide receiver from Sykesville, Md., was the recipient of the Micah Harris Trinity Teammate Award, which is presented annually to the member of the program who displays the highest teammate qualities such as inspiration, unselfishness and commitment to the team. Micah Harris was tragically killed in an automobile accident in June of 2004, just prior to his senior year at Duke. After transitioning to wide receiver midway through fall camp, Moore finished the year second on the team in receptions (60) and receiving yards (656), while being tied for first with five receiving touchdowns. He compiled three-plus receptions in eight contests and 50-plus receiving yards in four contests, including a career-best effort of 14 receptions for 199 yards and one score against Pittsburgh.
Pickett, a sophomore cornerback from Demorest, Ga., received the Mike Suglia Award, which is presented annually to a second-year member of the Duke football program who best exemplifies the qualities of the late Mike Suglia. Suglia was an offensive lineman at Duke in 1976-77 who died suddenly during the spring of his sophomore year. He was an excellent student, an outstanding football player, and, most importantly, a young man of the highest integrity. Pickett saw action in all 13 games, recording 41 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks and a team-best seven pass breakups.
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Rivers, a freshman cornerback from Beaumont, Texas, also earned the rookie of the year award. He appeared in all 13 games, making five starts, during his opening year in Durham. He finished fourth on team in pass breakups (six) and sixth in tackles (52), while adding 2.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception, two quarterback pressures and one blocked kick. At the end of the year, Rivers was tabbed an Honorable Mention All-American by College Football News.
Smith was the recipient of the special teams player of the year award. The defensive end from Acworth, Ga., compiled 240 snaps on special teams and finished the year with 13 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick.
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Williams, a freshman defensive end from Gainesville, Va., received the defensive scout team player of the year award. Williams saw action in one game during his first year in Durham.
 #GoDuke
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The Blue Devils also acknowledged 30 departing seniors and 66 letterwinners during the show.
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Leonard, a 6-4, 212-pound native of Fairhope, Ala., completed 250-of-392 pass attempts (.638) for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns, while leading the team in rushing with 699 yards on 124 carries with 13 scores. He finished one of just two quarterbacks nationally to register 20-plus passing and 13-plus rushing touchdowns the year, a first in Blue Devil history. The Honorable Mention All-ACC selection and Military Bowl MVP compiled three 300-plus yard passing games, including a career-best 391 yards and four touchdowns against Wake Forest. He added a career best rushing performance against North Carolina after registering 14 carries for 130 yards and one score. Leonard concluded the season by setting Duke's record for touchdowns responsible for with 33, while also ranking tied for second in rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and fourth in rushing yards by quarterback.
Other honorees included Vincent Anthony Jr. (Rookie of the Year Award), Graham Barton (Offensive Lineman of the Year Award), Jack Burns (K.D. Kennedy Iron Devil Award), Jalon Calhoun (Offensive Skill Player of the Year Award), DeWayne Carter (Defensive Lineman of the Year Award & Steve Brooks Captain Award), Ja'Mion Franklin (Ace Parker Award), Jeremiah Hasley (Sonny Falcone Iron Duke Award), Shaka Heyward (Defensive MVP Award & Steve Brooks Captain Award), Brandon Johnson (Cutcliffe Family Award), Darius Joiner (Defensive Skill Player of the Year Award), Nick Lampert (Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year Award), Jacob Monk (Steve Brooks Captain Award), Jordan Moore (Micah Harris Trinity Teammate Award), Joshua Pickett (Mike Suglia Award), Chandler Rivers (Rookie of the Year Award), Ryan Smith (Special Teams Player of the Year Award), Wesley Williams (Defensive Scout Team Player of the Year Award). Riley also earned the Offensive MVP Award.
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Anthony, a freshman defensive end from Durham, earned the rookie of the year award. He started in 12-of-13 games for the Blue Devils and finished with 28 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, two pass breakups, three quarterback pressures and one fumble recovery. Anthony helped Duke rank fourth in the ACC in rushing defense, allowing just 121.08 yards per outing, and hold five-of-12 opponents to under 100 yards rushing for an average of just 3.73 yards per carry with eight rushing scores.
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Barton, a junior offensive tackle from Brentwood, Tenn., received the offensive lineman of the year award. He started all 13 games for the Blue Devils at left tackle, helping the offense accumulate 2,394 rushing and 3,010 passing yards. The First Team All-ACC selection also helped Duke register 31 rushing touchdowns, which set a program record for a single season. Barton anchored an offensive line unit that ranked first in the ACC in sacks allowed (17) and tackles for loss allowed (51). At the end of the year, he was tabbed an Honorable Mentioned All-American by Phil Steele.
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Burns, a graduate student center from Kansas City, Kan., received the K.D. Kennedy Iron Devil Award, which is presented annually to a player who demonstrates the most heart, durability, and toughness throughout the year. He helped Duke's offensive line unit rank first in the ACC in sacks allowed (17), first in tackles for loss allowed (51), second in rushing touchdowns (31), second in time of possession (32:52) and third in rushing offense (184.15).
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Calhoun, a junior wide receiver from Greenville, S.C., collected the offensive skill player of the year award. He garnered three All-ACC postseason honors after being tabbed to the third team as a wide receiver and return specialist and honorable mention as an all-purpose player. Calhoun hauled in a team-best 62 passes for 873 yards and four touchdowns this season. He became the 11th player in program history to eclipse 2,000 career receiving yards and finished the year with 2,360 to rank ninth all-time in Duke history.
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Carter, a redshirt junior defensive tackle from Pickerington, Ohio, earned the defensive lineman of the year award. He also received the Steve Brooks Captain Award, which is presented to the team's captains for their leadership throughout the season. The Second Team All-ACC pick tallied 36 tackles, with a team-best 11.0 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. In addition, he finished tied for first in the ACC and tied for third nationally in fumble recoveries (three) and tied for fourth in the ACC and tied for 13th nationally in forced fumbles (three). At the end of the year, Carter was tabbed a Third Team All-American by College Football Network.
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Franklin, a redshirt senior defensive tackle from Ridgely, Md., received the Ace Parker Award, which is presented annually to an individual who overcomes adversity to contribute. Parker, one of 12 former Duke players and coaches to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame, was a two-time All-America pick in 1935 and 1936. Following his successful NFL career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972. This season, Franklin registered 26 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, five pass breakups, two quarterback pressures and one fumble recovery during his first full season as a starter.
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The Sonny Falcone Iron Duke Award is presented annually to the developmental player who had the best fall in the weight room. This year, the winner was Hasley, a freshman linebacker from Gibsonia, Pa. During his first year in Durham, he saw action in four games.
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Heyward, a redshirt senior linebacker from Dacula, Ga., earned the defensive MVP award. In addition, he was also acknowledged with the Steve Brooks Captain Award. The Honorable Mention All-ACC selection finished second on team in tackles (93), pass breakups (six) and fumble recoveries (two), while being tied for the team lead in interceptions (two). Heyward finished his Duke career tied for eighth in program history in career fumble recoveries (five), 12th in career TFLs (32.5), 13th in career tackles (339), and tied for 14th in career sacks (11.5).
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Johnson, a sophomore safety from Newton, N.C., received the Cutcliffe Family Award, which is awarded to the overall most improved player in the program. The Honorable Mention All-ACC honoree finished the season ranking tied for first on the team in sacks (5.5), tied for first in pass breakups (seven), tied for second in interceptions (two), and third in tackles for loss (7.5).
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Joiner, a graduate student safety from Roanoke, Ala., received the defensive skill player of the year award. The Third Team All-ACC pick started all 13 games during his lone season in Durham and finished ranking first on the team in tackles (97), tied for first in interceptions (two), second in tackles for loss (8.0), and fourth in sacks (4.0) and fourth in quarterback pressures (five). In addition, he added five pass breakups and one forced fumble. At the conclusion of the season, Joiner held a Pro Football Focus grade of 88.7, which ranked fourth nationally among safeties.
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Lampert, a sophomore wide receiver from Miami, Fla., received the offensive scout team player of the year award. During his second year in Durham, he saw action in two games making one reception for seven yards.
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Monk received the Steve Brooks Captain Award, which is presented to the team's captains for their leadership throughout the season. The senior from Clayton, N.C., helped the offense accumulate 2,394 rushing and 3,010 passing yards. The Honorable Mention All-ACC selection also helped Duke register 31 rushing touchdowns, which set a program record for a single season. Monk was a key factor as to why the offensive line unit ranked first in the ACC in sacks allowed (17) and tackles for loss allowed (51).Â
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Moore, a sophomore wide receiver from Sykesville, Md., was the recipient of the Micah Harris Trinity Teammate Award, which is presented annually to the member of the program who displays the highest teammate qualities such as inspiration, unselfishness and commitment to the team. Micah Harris was tragically killed in an automobile accident in June of 2004, just prior to his senior year at Duke. After transitioning to wide receiver midway through fall camp, Moore finished the year second on the team in receptions (60) and receiving yards (656), while being tied for first with five receiving touchdowns. He compiled three-plus receptions in eight contests and 50-plus receiving yards in four contests, including a career-best effort of 14 receptions for 199 yards and one score against Pittsburgh.
Pickett, a sophomore cornerback from Demorest, Ga., received the Mike Suglia Award, which is presented annually to a second-year member of the Duke football program who best exemplifies the qualities of the late Mike Suglia. Suglia was an offensive lineman at Duke in 1976-77 who died suddenly during the spring of his sophomore year. He was an excellent student, an outstanding football player, and, most importantly, a young man of the highest integrity. Pickett saw action in all 13 games, recording 41 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sacks and a team-best seven pass breakups.
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Rivers, a freshman cornerback from Beaumont, Texas, also earned the rookie of the year award. He appeared in all 13 games, making five starts, during his opening year in Durham. He finished fourth on team in pass breakups (six) and sixth in tackles (52), while adding 2.0 tackles for loss, 0.5 sacks, one interception, two quarterback pressures and one blocked kick. At the end of the year, Rivers was tabbed an Honorable Mention All-American by College Football News.
Smith was the recipient of the special teams player of the year award. The defensive end from Acworth, Ga., compiled 240 snaps on special teams and finished the year with 13 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick.
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Williams, a freshman defensive end from Gainesville, Va., received the defensive scout team player of the year award. Williams saw action in one game during his first year in Durham.
 #GoDuke
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