Cole Denson is a sophomore running back for the Duke Blue Devils, wearing jersey number 28. As a sophomore, Denson is in a critical year for his development as he looks to establish himself within Duke's offensive backfield and contribute to the team's ground game.
Player Profile
At 200 pounds, Denson possesses a solid frame for the running back position that should allow him to handle the physical demands of ACC football. As a sophomore, he projects as a player in a developmental stage of his college career, with the opportunity to accumulate meaningful experience and compete for carries within the Duke running back rotation. His weight and build suggest he could be utilized as a back capable of contributing in multiple offensive situations as he continues to develop his skills and game understanding at the collegiate level.
Background
Denson comes to Duke from Rye, bringing his talents to a program looking to build depth at the running back position. His path through the recruiting process to Durham indicates he was targeted by Duke's coaching staff as a prospect capable of contributing to the offensive backfield rotation. Playing college football requires significant adjustment from the high school level, and Denson's sophomore year represents an important juncture in his development as he works toward earning consistent playing time.
2026 Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Denson should continue his development as a sophomore-year running back competing within Duke's depth chart. With another year of strength and conditioning, film study, and on-field experience, he projects to potentially take on a more defined role in the team's offensive scheme. His progression will depend on his improvement in areas such as pass protection, route running, and overall consistency as the team prepares for another ACC season.
Profile generated Jul 8, 2026