In a stunning turn of events, 5-star EDGE Rodney Dunham has flipped his commitment from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to the Duke Blue Devils. Dunham, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound senior from Charlotte, North Carolina, is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2024 recruiting class.
“I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committing to Duke University,” Dunham said in a statement. “The Blue Devils have a rich tradition of producing talented players, and I’m excited to be a part of that legacy. Coach Elko and his staff have a clear vision for the program, and I’m eager to contribute to its success.”
Dunham’s decision to flip his commitment to Duke is a significant coup for the Blue Devils’ recruiting class, which is already ranked among the top 20 in the country. Dunham’s size, speed, and agility make him a dominant force on the edge, and he is expected to make an immediate impact in the Blue Devils’ lineup.
“Rodney is an exceptional talent with a tremendous work ethic,” said Duke head coach Mike Elko. “He’s got the size, strength, and agility to play at a high level, and we’re thrilled to have him join our program. He’s a perfect fit for our system, and we’re excited to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success.”
Dunham’s decision to choose Duke over Notre Dame and Tennessee was influenced by several factors, including the Blue Devils’ strong reputation for producing talented defensive players, the program’s proximity to his hometown, and the opportunity to play in the highly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
“Duke has a great reputation for producing talented defensive players, and I’m excited to be a part of that tradition,” Dunham said. “The coaches have a clear vision for the program, and I’m eager to contribute to its success. Plus, being close to home was a big factor for me. I’m excited to stay in the South and play in front of my family and friends.”
In terms of the impact on Duke’s roster, Dunham’s commitment provides a significant boost to the Blue Devils’ defensive line. Dunham’s size, speed, and agility will give the Blue Devils a dominant force on the edge, and his versatility will allow him to play multiple positions.
“Rodney’s commitment is a huge boost for our program,” said Elko. “He’s a talented young man with a lot of potential, and we’re excited to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success. He’s a great fit for our system, and we’re looking forward to seeing him in a Blue Devils uniform.”
Dunham’s commitment is also a testament to the strong recruiting efforts of the Blue Devils’ coaching staff. Elko and his staff have been working tirelessly to attract top talent to Durham, and their efforts have paid off with Dunham’s commitment.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rodney to the Duke family,” said Elko. “He’s an exceptional talent with a tremendous work ethic, and we’re excited to see him develop and contribute to our team’s success. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in recruiting, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact that Rodney and our other commits will have on our program.”