For the second time in a week, Appalachian State has secured a commitment from a Central Florida defensive back. Edgewater High School’s standout safety, Ja’Torian “Duke” Mack, announced his decision to join the Mountaineers on Monday, following Seminole’s Juan Berchal, who committed just days earlier.
Should both Mack and Berchal sign with App State, they will join fellow Central Floridian, Wekiva defensive end Anthony Rosier, who is part of the 2024 recruiting class. This adds to the Mountaineers' recent surge in recruiting talent from the Sunshine State.
Mack, who ranks No. 35 on the Orlando Sentinel’s 2025 Central Florida Super60, chose Appalachian State over nine other FBS offers, including notable programs like NC State, West Virginia, Louisville, East Carolina, and Coastal Carolina. His decision came after an official visit to the Boone, N.C., campus earlier this month.
“As soon as I stepped on campus it felt like home,” Mack shared. “People around the city were just so welcoming and they had great hospitality.” Mack was heavily recruited by App State’s defensive coordinator and safeties coach Scot Sloan, and he emphasized the strong relationship he’s built with Sloan. “There was a lot of trust between me and Coach Sloan,” Mack noted. “Plus, the players really took me in as if I was already part of the team.”
Despite missing the spring season due to injury, Mack remains a key leader for Edgewater’s defense and is set for a significant senior year. His commitment marks the fourth FBS pledge from Edgewater’s 2025 class, alongside Boston College’s Semaj Fleming, Miami’s Jaden Wilkerson, and FIU’s Tyson Carter.
Mack is optimistic about Edgewater's upcoming season and their chances of clinching a state title. “I feel like we have a very high chance of winning state if we just do what we have to do this summer,” he said. “We can’t fall short on any of our games and we have to be prepared for everything. Our motto is ‘Us,’ and we need to be united and selfless.”
Although Mack has committed to App State, he acknowledged that the recruiting process continues to be intense. “I can say that I’m relieved, but at the same time it’s kind of stressful because there are still a lot of coaches texting me,” he admitted. “Even though I don’t text them back anymore, since I made my set decision of where I want to go.”
Mack also praised his coaching staff at Edgewater, particularly head coach Cam Duke, for their support and preparation for college football. “Coach Duke is a very good head coach. He may get on you hard sometimes, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you. He just wants to see better for you and see you succeed after high school.”
With his commitment to Appalachian State, Mack aims to thrive both on and off the field, backed by a coaching staff dedicated to his future success.
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