Travis Bates is Duke’s versatile, high-efficiency depth back with special-teams value
In the 2025 season, Travis Bates was a low-volume but efficient piece for Duke, rushing 9 times for 57 yards in 14 games while also contributing as a valuable special-teams player. What makes him interesting is his position flexibility—Duke lists him as a back who previously moved to safety and then returned to running back—and that kind of adaptability can be gold for a roster needing coverage depth, physicality, and coachable utility. He’s more of a fit for a team that values toughness and multi-role reliability than one expecting a featured ball carrier.
