The Duke Blue Devils officially welcomed their fifth transfer commitment of the offseason on Monday when Utah State cornerback Jaiden Francois signed with the program.
The announcement came just hours after a 247Sports report indicated Francois would play in Durham next season for his final year of eligibility.
A four-star prospect from the Class of 2020 who previously spent time with the Nebraska Cornhuskers and UCF Knights, Francois tallied 108 total tackles over the last two seasons with the Aggies. He returned an interception for a touchdown once in each campaign with Utah State, including a 40-yarder against Colorado State in this year’s final game, and he’s defended six total passes since the start of last season.
The Blue Devils allowed just 6.0 yards per attempt this season, tied for 12th among FBS defenses, but multiple members of the back seven won’t return. Cornerback Joshua Pickett, safety Jaylen Stinson, and linebacker hybrid Cameron Bergeron all used their final year of eligibility, and there’s a chance All-ACC cornerback Chandler Rivers ends up in the NFL draft.
Francois and former Sam Houston State safety Caleb Weaver will provide reinforcements, as will younger Blue Devils defensive backs like DaShawn Stone and Kimari Robinson.