Durden grew up in Midville, Georgia and attended the Emanuel County Institute. He committed to play college football at Mercer.[1]
Durden was selected in the 20th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball draft by the Boston Red Sox.[2] He signed with the team and received a $125,000 bonus to forgo his commitment to Mercer.[3] Durden was assigned to the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League Red Sox and batted .220 in 91 at-bats. After the season, he retired from baseball in order to pursue playing college football.[4]
College career
Durden enrolled at Mercer prior to the beginning of the 2018 season.[5] He caught 18 passes for 407 yards with five touchdowns as a freshman.[6] Durden had 45 receptions for 647 yards and four touchdowns and returned 29 kickoffs for 750 yards during his sophomore season and was named first-team All-Southern Conference as a returner.[7]
Durden transferred to West Florida after his sophomore year.[7] Durden's first season at West Florida was canceled due to Covid-19.[8] Durden was named first-team All-Gulf South Conference (GSC) after catching 34 passes for 787 yards and 10 touchdowns.[9] Durden repeated as a first-team All-GSC selection as a senior after recording 54 receptions for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns.[10]