Andrew Pellicciotta is a freshman safety for the Duke Blue Devils, wearing #35 on the defensive roster. As a member of Duke's 2026 class, Pellicciotta joins the program as a young prospect in the secondary with the opportunity to develop within the Blue Devils' defensive scheme. His arrival as a freshman safety represents an investment in the program's long-term secondary depth and future defensive capabilities.
Player Profile
Pellicciotta enters Duke at 190 pounds, a solid foundational weight for the safety position at the collegiate level. His freshman status indicates he is early in his development at a Power Conference program, where safeties typically require time to master the mental and physical demands of defensive responsibilities. Given his position as a deep defensive back, Pellicciotta projects as a player who will need to acclimate to the speed and complexity of ACC football while working to develop the range and instincts required at safety. His freshman year should serve as a valuable learning opportunity as he adjusts to the collegiate game.
Background
Pellicciotta hails from Malvern, a recruiting area in Pennsylvania that has produced prospects for major college programs. His path to Durham reflects Duke's regional recruiting efforts in the Mid-Atlantic, where the program consistently evaluates secondary talent. The fact that Duke identified and recruited him suggests the coaching staff saw developmental potential in his skill set and athletic profile for the safety position.
2026 Outlook
As a freshman, Pellicciotta's 2026 season will likely focus on learning, development, and acclimating to the rigors of ACC competition. He should be expected to contribute primarily in practice and special teams while gaining valuable experience in the Duke secondary. His role this season will probably center on his continued development as a prospect, with the potential to earn expanded opportunities as he becomes more familiar with the defensive system and opponents. Future impact will depend on his ability to grasp assignments, improve his positioning, and physically develop during his time with the program.
Profile generated Jul 8, 2026