The high school football season officially gets underway in North Carolina on Aug. 22.

As a new season gets underway, let's highlight players from North Carolina who are committed to play for coach Manny Diaz and Duke football in the future. The Blue Devils are coming off of Diaz's first recruiting class, which ranked No. 31 overall, per the 247Sports Composite and was made up of four in-state prospects (Bryce Davis, Jamien Little, Dan Mahan and Kavon Simmons).

So far, the Blue Devils have three in-state commitments in their 2026 recruiting cycle, which ranks No. 49 overall per the 247Sports Composite as of Aug. 20.

Lyrik Pettis, safety, Crest

The three-star safety out of Shelby committed to Diaz and the Blue Devils on July 1. At 6-foot-1, 175-pounds, Pettis is tabbed as the No. 29 pro

See Full Page