Upcoming Event: Football versus NC State on September 20, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Football
vs NC State
Photo by: Duke Athletics
Bryce Davis Named National Defensive Player of the Year
1/15/2025 12:00:00 PM | Football
DURHAM, N.C. – Freshman defensive lineman Bryce Davis continued his high school honor haul this week by being named the Sports Illustrated National Defensive Player of the Year. Â
Davis, who is already enrolled at Duke, was named a MaxPreps All-America and took part in the 2025 Under Armour Next All-America Game. He lettered four seasons at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C., under head coach Darryl Brown.
As a senior, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end guided the Whirlies to the No. 1 seed in the state playoffs and captured the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A title. Davis finished his final campaign with 125 total tackles, 37 tackles for a loss, 27 sacks, five forced fumbles and eight pass breakups as Grimsley finished 16-0.Â
Davis helped the Whirlies to the Metro 4A conference championship as a senior, when he was named the league's most valuable defensive player. He also earned three letters as a member of the basketball program, helping Grimsley to the conference championship the last two seasons.
For more information on Duke Football, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "DukeFOOTBALL".
#GoDuke
Davis, who is already enrolled at Duke, was named a MaxPreps All-America and took part in the 2025 Under Armour Next All-America Game. He lettered four seasons at Grimsley High School in Greensboro, N.C., under head coach Darryl Brown.
As a senior, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound defensive end guided the Whirlies to the No. 1 seed in the state playoffs and captured the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 4A title. Davis finished his final campaign with 125 total tackles, 37 tackles for a loss, 27 sacks, five forced fumbles and eight pass breakups as Grimsley finished 16-0.Â
Davis helped the Whirlies to the Metro 4A conference championship as a senior, when he was named the league's most valuable defensive player. He also earned three letters as a member of the basketball program, helping Grimsley to the conference championship the last two seasons.
For more information on Duke Football, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching "DukeFOOTBALL".
#GoDuke
Players Mentioned
DE
/ FootballCoach Diaz Media Availability: NC State
Wednesday, September 17
Aaron Hall Media Availability: NC State
Tuesday, September 16
Justin Pickett Media Availability: NC State
Tuesday, September 16
Coach Patke Press Conference: NC State
Monday, September 15
