Blue Devil Country

Surprise: Duke Football Star Now Projected as First-Round Draft Pick

Hype builds for Duke football's Riley Leonard, and rightfully so.

Matt Giles

Surprise: Duke Football Star Now Projected as First-Round Draft Pick
Surprise: Duke Football Star Now Projected as First-Round Draft Pick /
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Riley Leonard isn't one of Duke football's three Preseason All-ACC selections (senior wide receiver Jalon Calhoun, senior offensive tackle Graham Barton, senior defensive tackle DeWayne Carter). But the junior quarterback is the only Blue Devil and one of only six players who got a vote for Preseason ACC Player of the Year, albeit only one.

RELATED: Predictions, Picks, Odds for Duke's 2023 Win Total

And Leonard, a dark horse Heisman candidate in the eyes of some, appears on preseason watchlists galore as the Blue Devils gear up to show their pleasantly surprising 9-4 record in Mike Elko's first year at the helm, including a Military Bowl victory, was no fluke.

His preseason accolades grew in number this week with his inclusion as a hopeful for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award:

But before The Athletic's NFL Draft analyst, Dane Brugler, published his initial top-50 board on Thursday, Leonard was nowhere to be found on 2024 mock first rounds elsewhere.

So even though Blue Devil faithful are more than familiar with what Leonard is capable of as an ultra-competitive dual-threat signal-caller, it's somewhat unexpected to see the 20-year-old Alabama native, who will have another year of eligibility following his 2023 campaign, pop up at No. 28 overall.

He's the only Duke football talent on Brugler's list.

The program's last player to hear his name in a first round was Daniel Jones, now entering his fifth season as the starting quarterback for the New York Giants since going No. 6 overall in 2019 following his three sensational seasons under center in Durham.

Leonard and the hungry Blue Devils begin their quest for the program's first back-to-back winning records since 2017-18 and more when they host defending ACC champion and preseason No. 9 Clemson at Wallace Wade Stadium on Sept. 4.

RELATED: Famous Blue Devil Gets Emotional Talking to Football Team

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more Duke football news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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