Duke Football Stars Earn Coveted All-American Honors for Historic Season

The Duke Blue Devils football program is celebrating a historic season. Two key players have received prestigious All-American recognition. Right tackle Brian Parker II and running back Nate Sheppard earned national honors this week. Their achievements follow Duke’s first-ever ACC Championship victory.

This recognition highlights the team’s dramatic rise under coach Manny Diaz. According to Pro Football Focus, both players earned elite performance grades. Their individual success was vital to the team’s collective accomplishment.

Brian Parker II Anchors Elite Offensive Line Unit

Junior right tackle Brian Parker II was named a third-team All-American. Pro Football and the Sports Network granted him this honor. The Associated Press also named him First-Team All-ACC for his dominant play.

Parker started all 13 games for the Blue Devils this season. He posted an impressive 85.0 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. That grade ranked ninth among all qualified offensive linemen nationally. His consistency was a cornerstone for an offensive line that was a Joe Moore Award semifinalist.

His protection helped quarterback Darian Mensah throw for 40 touchdowns. Parker now faces a decision regarding entering the NFL Draft. His performance has undoubtedly raised his professional profile.

Nate Sheppard Emerges as a Future Star

True freshman running back Nate Sheppard made an immediate impact. He was named a second-team Freshman All-American by The Athletic. Sheppard rushed for 962 yards and 10 touchdowns despite not starting the season as the primary back.

He also showcased his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield. Sheppard added 35 catches for 266 yards and another score. His Pro Football Focus grade of 87.0 was the second-highest on the entire Duke team.

This grade also ranked fourth among all true freshman running backs in the country. Sheppard’s combination of power and quickness gives Duke a building block for the future. His rapid development was a key surprise in their championship run.

These All-American honors for Brian Parker II and Nate Sheppard solidify Duke’s arrival as a national football contender. Their individual excellence fueled a landmark season for the program.

Info at your fingertips

Who named Brian Parker II an All-American?

Brian Parker II was selected as a third-team All-American by Pro Football and the Sports Network. He also earned First-Team All-ACC honors from the Associated Press.

What stats did Nate Sheppard have this season?

The freshman running back rushed for 962 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also caught 35 passes for 266 yards and an additional receiving touchdown.

How did Duke’s offensive line rank nationally?

The unit was a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award, given to the nation’s top offensive line. Parker’s elite play was a major reason for this recognition.

Will Brian Parker II enter the NFL Draft?

The junior right tackle now has a decision to make. His All-American season and high professional grade have significantly increased his NFL draft stock.

What was Duke’s biggest team achievement this year?

The Blue Devils won the ACC Championship for the first time in program history. This team success paved the way for individual awards.