Midseason Report Card: Top Offensive Players
1. QUENTIN HARRIS, QUARTERBACK
Stats: 115-181, 1,183 yards, 11 touchdowns, 4 interceptions / 380 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdowns
The fifth-year senior has stepped in for Daniel Jones and allowed Duke to run a variety of offensive sets, ranging from an empty backfield five-wide passing attack to the old Georgia Tech triple option. Both have caused headaches for defenses. Harris has used his mobility to help avoid sacks. He’s also Duke’s leading rusher and has two 100-yard rushing games this season.
2. JACK WOHLABAUGH, CENTER
The Ohio State transfer had a tough assignment this year as leader of the offensive line. With introducing the triple option into the pass-heavy pro sets that got Daniel Jones to the NFL, Wohlabaugh had to make sure the line was able to learn all the new schemes, all with a redshirt freshman at one tackle and true freshman at the other. They went three straight games without allowing a sack, and Wohlabaugh won the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week Award, the second weekly honor of his Duke career.
3. DEON JACKSON, RUNNING BACK
Stats: 93 rushes, 364 yards, 5 touchdowns / 13 catches, 123 yards, 2 touchdowns
Expected to be part of a two-headed running back attack, with Brittain Brown, Jackson had more of the load shifted onto his shoulders when Brown battled a shoulder injury that has now required season-ending surgery. While Mataeo Durant has worked himself into a backup role, Jackson is still the primary running option. Perhaps the most impressive stat for Jackson—he’s lost a total of 3 yards on 93 rushes. The rest of the team’s running backs have lost 13 on 80.
4. JALON CALHOUN, WIDE RECEIVER
Stats: 27 catches, 254 yards, 3 touchdowns / 1 touchdown pass
He started his first career game, against Alabama as a true freshman. Calhoun has emerged as a rising offensive star. He helped the team withstand the loss of Jake Bobo, who missed the first three games with injury, and showed enough big-play potential to stay on the field even after Bobo returned. He’s passed for a touchdown, and David Cutcliffe said he’ll rush for one too before too long.
5. NOAH GRAY, TIGHT END
Stats: 26 catches, 197 yards, 2 touchdowns
A new starting quarterback’s best friend is his tight end. Gray has been much more than just a safety valve for dumpoff passes when Quentin Harris feels pressure, however. He’s been a top target on deep balls as well. Gray is also versatile enough to lineup wide, in the slot or at fullback.
