Alabama WR DeShawn Spencer commits to Duke: ‘This is where I wanted to be’

Duke extended an offer to Saraland (Ala.) three-star wide receiver DeShawn Spencer on April 24. The Blue Devils were one of 25 programs to offer the 5-foot-11, 155-pound wideout and Duke eventually received an official visit from him on June 6. 

Maryland also got an official from Spencer from May 29-May 31 and his decision came down to the Terrapins and the Blue Devils. In the end, head coach Manny Diaz and his staff won out, as Spencer has committed to Duke and is now the newest member of the Blue Devils’ 2026 recruiting class. 

“I knew in my mind that it was Duke on the final day of my official visit,” Spencer told Rivals. “Everything felt natural. The love I got from all the other commits and their families, and the relationships I built with them, made me realize that this is where I wanted to be and where I could see myself spending the next four years.”

Spencer shared that choosing the Blue Devils over Maryland was not easy. Yet he is confident about his future with the ACC program. 

Ever since Duke offered him in the spring, Diaz and Co. recruited him “hard.” The Blue Devils’ coaches called him every day to check in or give him words of motivation. The fact that Duke was “showing love” stood out to the talented wide receiver. 

The people and opportunities at Duke caught Spencer’s attention

Both Diaz and offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jonathan Brewer were involved in Spencer’s recruitment. He has built strong bonds with both of them. 

“I have the best relationship with the offensive coordinator, coach Brewer,” Spencer said. “Everything felt genuine with him and we connected quickly. He’s hilarious and it’s always a good time when I’m with my guy. He genuinely helped make Duke feel like home.” 

“Coach Diaz is an outstanding head coach,” he added. “He really pushes for success and genuinely builds a foundation with his guys… He brings the energy. You can tell he really loves his players and his job and he wouldn’t trade the team for anything. I have a lot of respect for coach Diaz and am grateful for the opportunity that he’s blessed me and my family with.” 

Spencer is excited to become part of the Duke football program in the coming years. The three-star is also looking forward to taking advantage of what the Blue Devils have to offer off the field.

“I love the educational opportunities at Duke,” Spencer said. “I know getting a degree from there would give me a great life after football because of the connections that they have at Duke. The campus is beautiful and one of the most awesome campuses I’ve been on, by far. Also, the love and support that the staff gives everyone is awesome. They genuinely want each other to succeed and see everyone achieve.”