ACC football fans might not think of Duke among the conference’s best offenses heading into the 2024 season, but the team thinks it can catch people by surprise.
During a Wednesday press conference at ACC Football Kickoff, quarterback Maalik Murphy fielded a question about his ‘underrated’ receiving room. He offered a smile and a fun answer.
“I want them to stay underrated,” Murphy said. “I feel like that’s in our favor, them flying under the radar, us as an offense kind of flying under the radar.”
The Blue Devils lost longtime weapon Jalon Calhoun to the NFL this offseason, but leading receiver Jordan Moore is back for a third year on the perimeter. He and Sahmir Hagans combined for 92 receptions and 1,095 yards a season ago.
Then you add in Eli Pancol, who will return after missing the 2023 season due to injury. He compiled 347 yards in 2022. You can’t forget about Old Dominion transfer Javon Harvey, whom Grayson Loftis called ‘a quarterback’s best friend,’ either.
The Duke offense looks, to steal a word Loftis and Murphy used to describe offensive coordinator Jonathan Brewer’s system, explosive.
“People are not really aware of what our OC can do just because he hasn’t been in this position before,” Murphy continued. “I’m excited. Super excited for the guys that we have, I feel like we’re going to do great things.”