Former Clemson QB Chase Brice named starter at Duke, Tony Elliott says "that's awesome"
In a video posted to Twitter Sunday night, the Duke Blue Devils officially announced former Clemson quarterback Chase Brice as their starting QB for week one.
Brice, the former backup to Trevor Lawrence at Clemson, officially transferred to Duke in February. He beat out Duke quarterbacks Chris Katrenick and Gunnar Holmberg throughout practices, earning the first starting position of his collegiate career.
“I could not be more proud of the three young men who competed for the privilege to be this team’s starting quarterback at Notre Dame in the season-opener,” said Duke head coach David Cutcliffe. “Chase, Chris and Gunnar all have played really well during camp. We have a healthy quarterback room and the competition has made everyone better. Ultimately, Chase has made plays at the highest rate.”
In the 25 games Brice played in throughout his time at Clemson, he put up respectable numbers as a backup QB. He went 82-136 in the air for a 60 percent completion rate, racking up 1,023 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with it. On the ground, he rushed 30 times for 187 yards and a score.
Earlier today Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott said that it was “awesome” to hear and that he got a text “out of the blue” from Brice about the news.
“He’s a salt of the earth type young man. I think that now they are getting to experience what we know about Chase Brice,” Elliott noted. “The quality young man that he is and the exceptional football player that he is. I’m just so happy for him. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity for us to match up down the road.”
Several of Brice’s former Tiger teammates offered their congratulations via Twitter, including Ben Batson, Nolan Turner, and current starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
“My brother!” said Lawrence in a tweet posted quoting the Duke video.
Heading into his junior season, Brice hopes to produce an immediate impact with the Blue Devils, as he attempts to make the most of his first opportunity as a starter in the ACC.