The talk this offseason about the Duke offense has revolved around replacing star QB Darian Mensah as San Jose State transfer Walker Eget and rising sophomore Dan Mahan compete for the job. When discussing the weapons, it's started with a potentially elite running game led by star sophomore Nate Sheppard and a veteran-laden offensive line.
At WR, the talk has been a pair of transfers: Penn's Jared Richardson and Charlotte's Javen Nicholas, along with some talented young options competing for playing time. Not to be overlooked, however, is one of college football's top tight ends.
Senior Jeremiah Hasley is a preseason All-ACC selection and will be a perfect safety blanket for a new starting QB. He'll also make an impact blocking and opening up holes for Sheppard and the Blue Devils' running backs.
Hasley arrived at Duke in the 2022 recruiting class as an unheralded 3-star ranked as the No. 1168 overall player in the composite. In Durham, he's turned into one of college football's biggest "freaks."
Hasley made Bruce Feldman's annual "freaks list" on The Athletic, coming in at No. 55 overall.
Duke's Jeremiah Hasley makes Bruce Feldman's college football 'freaks' list
Hasley has made a lot of physical strides since arriving in Durham. Per Feldman, he's added 18 pounds to his frame and eight inches to his vertical jump, which was measured at 37 inches.
His 10-yard split on his 40-yard dash might be the most impressive number Feldman lists. At 1.59 - improved from 1.70 last season - it would have only been topped by Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq at last year's combine among tight ends in attendance.
For Hasley, it's more than just measurables and attributes. It has translated into real production. He put up 454 yards on 40 receptions with six touchdowns during his junior season for the Blue Devils a year ago.
He's set up to be one of Duke's best players - and most vocal leaders - in 2026. He represented the Blue Devils at ACC Media Days last month, pushing back on the narrative that Mensah was trying to spin about divisiveness in the locker room last season.
Hasley is squarely on the NFL Draft radar heading into his senior season. Another strong year, teamed with what should be impressive Combine numbers next spring, should position him to be a day-two draft pick.
That's the furthest thing from his mind currently, however, as he looks to lead Duke to another quality season and quiet the naysayers who believe a major drop-off is coming from the defending ACC Champions.
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