Duke Targeting Talented 2027 Running Back

Manny Diaz and the Blue Devils continue to pursue some of the top prospects in the 2027 cycle.

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) makes a catch in the first quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

With the 2025 season over, the 2027 recruiting cycle has become the focus for college football coaching staffs across the country, as they continue targeting and making progress with some of the top prospects in the class.

Duke and head coach Manny Diaz have been highly active on the recruiting trail over the past few weeks, extending offers to several talented recruits, including a three-star running back from Ohio. 

Blue Devils Extend Offer to 3-Star 2027 Running Back

On Jan. 23, Duke extended an offer to Kenyon Norman, a three-star running back from Lakota West High School in West Chester, Ohio. He shared on X that the Blue Devils’ offer came after a conversation with running backs coach Rodney Freeman II.

after talking with @CoachFree1906, i have received an offer from Duke University!!!@LakotaWestFB @WestTrackField @CoachBWestbrook @gmcsports @CoachTomBolden @AllenTrieu pic.twitter.com/zWCWY4qUqc

— Kenyon Norman (@n0rman_keny0n) January 23, 2026

• “After talking with [Coach Freeman], I have received an offer from Duke University!!!” Norman wrote.

Norman is a talented 6'0", 195-pound running back prospect who is being pursued by several programs. Duke was the 10th Power Four program to extend him an offer, joining Indiana, Louisville, Michigan State, and more.

Nov 19, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Duke Blue Devils helmets on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

While Norman’s recruitment is currently wide open, a few schools have started making progress with the three-star running back. Cincianitti and Ohio State have hosted him on unofficial visits, and the Bearcats have built an early lead. 

Rivals’ Recruiting Prediction Machine currently lists Cincinnati as the clear favorite to land Norman, giving the Bearcats a 54.7% chance to secure a commitment from the young running back. Miami (OH), Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin are also in the mix. 

Nov 29, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils head coach Manny Diaz looks on against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the fourth quarter at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images | Zachary Taft-Imagn Images

Although Diaz and company will have to make up ground in Norman’s recruitment to position the Blue Devils as a contender for him, the good news is that he doesn’t appear close to making a decision, giving Duke plenty of time to catch up.

Duke is theoretically set at the running back position for the next two seasons with Nate Sheppard. However, the Blue Devils desperately need some young depth behind Sheppard, and landing a player of Norman’s caliber would be huge for their 2027 class. 

Dec 6, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils running back Nate Sheppard (20) celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2025 ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

247Sports’ composite rankings list Norman as the No. 434 overall player in the 2027 class, the No. 33 running back, and the No. 14 prospect from Ohio.

While the Blue Devils will have some work to do if they want to land Norman, extending him an offer at this stage of his process should give Diaz and his staff a strong chance to land one of the top running back prospects in the country.  

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