Former Mandeville star quickly emerges as the top freshman back in the ACC

MANDEVILLE, La. — Nate Sheppard was a nightmare for opposing defenses with 31 touchdowns in Mandeville’s first seven games of the 2024 season, but a broken fibula would end his senior campaign.

Sheppard was in a boot on signing day in December, and nine months later, he’s back and better than ever in his freshman year at Duke.

“It was a little longer process than we thought it was going to be originally. But once it did happen, you know, getting with our strength coach, Coach Feeley, so I could get back and get more explosive than ever,” said Duke freshman running back Nate Sheppard.

The biggest adjustment, outside of the injury, was the transition from Skippers’ star to freshman back on the Duke depth chart.

But the change of scenery and status made Sheppard hungry to prove himself.

“Coming in here, not really knowing all my teammates, having to earn their respect, having earned the coaching staff’s respect, having to earn Darian’s [Mensah] respect, all that. You know, it’s definitely factored in and just made me want to just a little bit more,” said Sheppard.

Nate Sheppard quickly burst onto the scene with 96 yards of offense and his first career touchdown in week three against Tulane in New Orleans.

His production in the Blue Devils last two games has made Sheppard the top freshman back in the ACC, with 259 yards rushing and four touchdowns in road wins over Syracuse and Cal.

“Started my first game at Syracuse, and the week before that against NC State, got a good number of touches. So, the more I get to see the game, the more I get to be in the game, feel the speed and stuff. You know, I’m really catching up and really starting to hit my stride a little bit,” said Sheppard.

Sheppard’s big role in Mandeville prepared him for the next level, and now the Skipper’s faithful get the chance to sit back and watch Nate be great with the Blue Devils.

Duke is back in action next Saturday against No. 13 Georgia Tech.