Eight Blue Devils Nab All-ACC Honors

Duke’s football season ended unceremoniously last Saturday, but despite the disappointment, the Blue Devils did grab some ACC-Honors.

While no Blue Deivls made it on the first team, they did land on the second team roster. Those included Tight end Noah Gray, Defensive End Victor Dimukeje and Damond Philyaw-Johnson who got All-ACC honors for his special team’s play.

Defensive end Chris Rumph II and linebacker Koby Quansah were named to the third team. Center Jack Wohlabaugh, kicker AJ Reed and punter Austin Parker were named All-ACC Honorable mention.

Gray a junior tight end was quarterback Quentin Harris’ favorite target. He caught 51 passes for 392 yards and 3 touchdowns. Gray has all the size and talent to be an NFL caliber tight end and if he opts to return for his senior year could put up big numbers with the right quarterback.

Dimukeje was a stalwart on the defensive front, recording 8.5 sacks. He will be anchor on the Duke defensive front next season.

Philyaw-Johnson, was a late season sensation after his two kickoff returns for touchdowns against Wake Forest. The sophomore wide receiver didn’t put up much in the way of numbers on offense but proved to be a capable returner with 549 yards on 18 returns and two touchdowns. As a junior he could prove to be an asset as both a receiver and returner.

Rumph and Quansah were big contributors on the defensive side of the ball. Quansah will leave the program but Rumph should return and help provide a formidable defensive front with the likes of Dimukeje next season.

The absence of any players on the first team, speaks more to the inconsistencies of the Blue Devils and their failure to reach a bowl game. While there certainly be some hand wringing in Durham after a disappointing season, the cupboard is far from bare.