As the Duke football program heads into its bye week with a 4-3 overall record and a 3-1 record in conference play, some Blue Devils are raking in the accolades. Duke star freshman running back Nate Sheppard was one of five players named to the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Watch List, an award given annually to the most outstanding freshman in college football since 2018. Coming into Durham as a 3-star recruit, there wasn't much hype around Sheppard's name, as the Blue Devils boasted several veteran backs on the roster. However, through the first half of the 2025 campaign, Sheppard has completely taken over the backfield and now represents Duke as the lead back.
Duke football star freshman one of just five players to make watch list for coveted award
