Duke gets commitment from Florida three-star 2024 DT Ryan Daly
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
After years of grinding on the gridiron, in the weight room, and in the classroom, Ryan Daly (6-1, 280) now has a next level fit with Duke. The 2024 ESPN three-star defensive tackle/nose guard out of Venice High School (Fla.) made the big announcement Tuesday morning.
The relationship with the Blue Devils’ staff heated up over the spring with a visit to Durham. Duke defensive line coach Jess Simpson has been in consistent contact with Daly since.
“Coach Simpson, their d-line coach, has been my lead recruiter,” Daly said. “He’s been a huge mentor for me; he’s been helping me a lot week-to-week. He’s a guy I would love to play for; I am looking forward to it.”
Daly continued, “My relationship with Duke started in the middle of my junior year. I fell in love with the program and the people, and with coach Simpson and coach (Mike) Elko. They have gone above and beyond making me feel at home there; I kept wanting to go back. I am excited to be on campus in June.”
The fit in the Blue Devils’ scheme was covered.
“Coach Simpson told me he wants me to play the true nose guard position,” Daly stated. “I will have to put on more weight, but I am looking forward to it. They get after it up front on Saturdays, I am looking forward to it.”
After showcasing the skills over the offseason, Duke extended an opportunity.
“They offered me this summer, the day after their camp,” Daly shared. “Coach Elko called me and gave me the offer.”
Duke hosted Daly again for an unofficial for the season opener leading to the verbal pledge.
“I went for the Duke-Clemson game (Sept. 4); that game was sick,” Daly said. “Then, I think I was talking with coach Elko, it felt like home. My parents really loved it; that was big for me, and how much I enjoyed being on campus.”
Details to how the commitment went down were shared, “I committed Monday around 5:00. I told coach Elko; I called him directly. I asked if he had time, and I let him know that I’ve made my decision. He was psyched; that felt good.”
Daly shared what he was thinking the moment he committed to the Blue Devils.
“I was thinking, we usually talk weekly about the upcoming games and what is going on with me in high school that week,” Daly stated. “I was thinking, I am ready to make my decision. I have been waiting for so long. I said it and told coach Elko that I am 100 percent committed.”
Daly added, “I am excited, and the academics at Duke are amazing. That will set you up for life. I am looking forward to it.”
Fans will get to see Daly on campus if all goes as planned a couple of times before he reports in June.
“Nothing is confirmed right now, but I will ty to go on an official in December and again for a spring practice,” Daly said.
Daly has been hard at work on the field this season filling the stat sheet. The transfer from IMG Academy is a leader on the team in tackles (58) while holding team-highs in tackles for loss (8) and QB hurries (7).
*Click the link for the July 8 RNG interview with Ryan Daly.