Mataeo Durant

Durant heads into 2021 as a potential sleeper with low end RB appeal nationally. He enjoyed a breakout junior campaign in ACC circles, rushing for 817 yards on just 120 carries (6.8 ypc) while scoring eight times. Durant did so while splitting carries with a less effective Deon Jackson (161 carries, 682 yards) and we’ve grown accustomed to the Blue Devils sharing backfield work nearly evenly between two, sometimes three backs. But Jackson is gone, and Duke’s three other options have 63 total carries to their names, putting Durant in a position to flirt with a true lead role. Inexperienced quarterback play further pushes Durant as the offensive focal point, should the coaching staff buck their trend of committee backfields. He doesn’t do much in the passing game, and Duke projects to play from behind often, which could limit opportunities, as could stacked boxes. But if you’re looking for a depth piece, Durant merits consideration.