KD Cotton - 2025-26 - Football - Duke University

KD Cotton

Position:
Safety
Height:
5-9
Weight:
190
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Charlotte, N.C.
High School:
Weddington

Expected to enroll at Duke in January 2026
Lettered one season at Weddington under head coach Andy Capone after earning three at West Charlotte under head coach Sam Greiner
Rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com, ESPN.com and Rivals.com
Charted as the No. 38 prospect in North Carolina by ESPN.com
Two-time All-Charlotte Observer selection
Will represent North Carolina in the 2025 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas later in December
Three-time captain at West Charlotte
Helped Weddington to a 9-1 regular season mark and a trip to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) 7A semifinals
Will face Grimsley on Friday in the state semifinals
Scored three touchdowns in the team’s third round playoff win against Lake Norman
Guided West Charlotte to the 2024 NCHSAA 3A state championship with a 14-7 victory against Seventy-First, giving the Lions their first title since 1995
As a junior, booked 77 tackles, five interceptions and six pass breakups
Added 247 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with 30 receptions for 449 yards and 10 scores during junior campaign
During sophomore season, handled quarterback duties and contributed on defense in helping West Charlotte to a 9-4 mark and a third round NCHSAA 3A playoff trip
The primary quarterback as a freshman at West Charlotte, completing 51.2 percent of his passes and guiding the Lions to a 7-6 record and third round trip to the NCHSAA 3A playoffs
Earned additional varsity letters as a member of the track & field program
Son of Kim Cotton
Uncle, Nate Clements, was a 12-year NFL cornerback who totaled 812 tackles, 36 interceptions and 22 forced fumbles and was a Pro Bowl selection in 2004 for the Buffalo Bills

Game Highlights: ACC Championship vs Virginia

Tuesday, December 09

Coach Diaz Media Availability: Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl

Sunday, December 07

Manny Diaz and Darian Mensah: Postgame Press Conference

Sunday, December 07

Manny Diaz Joins ACC Huddle

Sunday, December 07

A graphic showing Brian Parker II as a 2025 Associated Press Third Team All-America honoree as an offensive tackle.

Parker II Continues All-America Haul

Monday, December 15

Members of the 2025 Duke football senior class hold their framed jerseys above their heads to cap the program's annual awards banquet.

Football Celebrates 2025 with Annual Team Awards

Sunday, December 14

A graphic showing Duke offensive lineman Brian Parker II as a Second Team All-America selection by the Walter Camp Foundation.

Parker II Adds Second All-America Honor

Friday, December 12

Duke linebacker Luke Mergott holds the ball and gets an ACC Championship hat placed upon his head following his game-ending interception versus No. 16 Virginia in the 2025 ACC Championship Game.

ACC Champions: Cinematic Recap

Thursday, December 11