Wes Chesson (2013) - Duke Athletics Hall of Fame

Wes Chesson

Induction:
2013
Class:
1970

Wes Chesson, a native of Edenton, N.C., lettered three seasons as a member of Duke's football team, starring as both a wide receiver and punter. In 30 career games from 1968-70, he caught 164 passes for 2,399 yards and 10 touchdowns while punting 153 times for 5,553 yards and a 36.29 yards per kick average.

As a senior in 1970, Chesson established ACC single-season records for both pass receptions (74) and receiving yardage (1,080) en route to earning first team All-ACC and honorable mention All-America honors from the Associated Press. The 74 catches stood as a school single-season record for 42 years until both Conner Vernon (85) and Jamison Crowder (76) eclipsed the standard during the 2012 campaign. Chesson finished his collegiate career holding 24 school records.

Chesson, who will be forever remembered for his 53-yard touchdown run on the “Shoestring Play” in Duke's 17-13 triumph over North Carolina in 1969, was a seventh round choice of the Atlanta Falcons in the 1971 NFL Draft and played four seasons of professional football. In 1982, he joined the Duke Radio Network as the analyst for Blue Devil football games.