"Dabo being shoved in a locker": Fans react to four-star EDGE Bryce Davis' commitment flip from Clemson to Duke

By Aman Sharma

Modified Aug 26, 2024 18:22 GMT

Bryce Davis, a standout four-star EDGE prospect from Greensboro, North Carolina, surprised the college football world by flipping his commitment from Clemson to Duke.

The 6'4", 255-pound recruit initially pledged to Clemson in July 2024, selecting the Tigers over Georgia and South Carolina. However, Duke's relentless pursuit paid off, marking a major win for the Blue Devils and their new head coach, Manny Diaz.

Davis’ decision to flip his commitment is a significant blow to Clemson, which now has 14 verbal commitments for its 2025 recruiting class. Despite the loss, Clemson's class remains ranked 14th nationally.

The news of Davis’ flip has generated a buzz among fans and analysts. One fan commented:

"Dabo being shoved in a locker,"

Another remarked,

"I feel like players just flip for fun nowadays."

Here is how fans are reacting to this:

"Dabo’s name, image & likeness of the good lord didn’t hold enough weight for him I guess," a fan quipped

"Duke really owns clemson lmao," another said

Duke maintained steady communication with Davis even after his initial commitment to Clemson. Their persistence ultimately led Davis to rethink his choice.

"It was an extremely tough decision," Davis told On3. "It took a lot of mental toughness to make this decision. After talking with the coaches at Duke more, talking things over with my parents, and a lot of prayer, I decided Duke was where I wanted to go."

Bryce Davis further explained that Duke had always been a consideration.

"When you take away all the logos and things like that, and I think about where I will really be happy at, the school is Duke. They have everything for me, and it really came down to me getting over the perception of me going to Duke and going there and making it my own," he added.

From Clemson to Duke: Bryce Davis sees greater opportunity in Durham

Bryce Davis is ranked 64th overall and third in North Carolina in the class of 2025, per 247Sports.

Scouting director Andrew Ivins noted Davis’ potential at the collegiate level:

“Ceiling might be highest as an edge defender given how he creates pressure, but... could very well settle in as more of an interior option after a year or two in a college weight room.” [via 247Sports].

Bryce Davis praised the program’s culture, academics, and holistic development. He expressed excitement about playing under Manny Diaz.

“Coach Diaz is a great guy. He is a man of faith and it came down to prayer for me. He and coach Harland Bower have stayed consistent, they are great men and I believe in what they will do with the program," Davis said.

Davis emphasized feeling like a top priority for the Blue Devils, adding:

"Since coach Manny Diaz got there, they have made me feel that way. They treated me and my family great, and I love the opportunities they offer. Duke has everything I need."

With Bryce Davis heading to Duke, Clemson has managed only one additional recruit since his flip: four-star linebacker Logan Anderson.