The Duke Blue Devils starting quarterback was Riley Leonard. After a feature on College Game day for their Notre Dame game, an injury that continued to linger his abilities, dampened any aspirations of an ACC title contention. Instead the eyes turned to a true freshman, who was thrown into a situation that not many were anticipating at the beginning of the year. Now preparing for the Birmingham Bowl with an interim coach, the starting quarterback for the Duke Blue Devils has a chance to showcase is skills on the national stage.
Duke Blue Devils True Freshman Signal Caller
Grayson Loftis did what is becoming the norm for talented freshman football players. Graduate from high school early, get on campus in January, and integrate yourself into the life of being a division one athlete.
One difference for Grayson Loftis is that not many were expecting him to have to play this year, unless it was in relief duty. After Riley Leonard had a breakout 2022 season, the Duke Blue Devils felt comfortable with their quarterback situation.
Then after having been shut out against the Louisville Cardinals, and having faced a tough test against the Florida State Seminoles the week before, it was true freshman Grayson Loftis that the Duke Blue Devils leaned on to earn a sixth bowl clinching win.
A traditional pocket passer, he was thrown into the starting role. After a first quarter strip fumble, the Duke Blue Devils smartly elected to lean heavily on the run game to help Grayson Loftis out. Following a tying score, Grayson Loftis dropped back again, and threw an interception off of a tipped ball that was caused by an interior push on the offensive line.
It was really one of the worst situations for any new quarterback to find themselves in. Two potential scoring drives, two turnovers. But down in the fourth, Grayson Loftis dropped back, and threw a 29 yard touchdown to tie the game up. Eventually leading to the game winning field goal drive, Grayson Loftus earned his first win as a collegiate starter.
It wasn’t the prettiest of games. But after getting beat up due to facing a defense that was teeing off on the run, and pass rush, the Duke Blue Devils earned their coveted sixth win.
Duke Blue Devils Final Three Games
Despite two losses, and one win, Grayson Loftis showed significant improvement, the the Duke Blue Devils were able to open up the passing game. Averaging 235.7 yards a game through the air, Grayson Loftis finished the last three games with a combined 7 touchdowns, and only 2 interceptions.
But from there, news would bring unexpected change to the Duke Blue Devils. Riley Leonard transferred to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and head coach Mike Elko moved on to the Texas A&M Aggies. With incoming transfer quarterback Maalik Murphy from Texas stepping on campus, how Grayson Murphy will fit into the picture next year under a new head coach, Manny Diaz, is to be determined.
But what is known is that today’s Birmingham Bowl will provide a chance for Grayson Loftis, and this Duke Blue Devils team to showcase their resiliency, and ability to overcome obstacles throughout the season. Whether he’s competing for a starting job in Durham, or if he elects to move on elsewhere, Grayson Loftis will be a desired addition in any quarterback room that he steps foot in.