Duke Freshman Stuns Fans with Outstanding Defensive Play
The Duke Blue Devils secured a decisive 45-21 victory over the California Golden Bears last Saturday in Berkeley. The offensive prowess was clear as quarterback Darian Mensah threw two touchdown passes, helping the team recover from an early 21-7 deficit. Impressively, the team scored 38 unanswered points to finish the game.
Duke Freshman Shines with Stellar Defensive Play
While the Duke offense dominated, a standout performance from true freshman linebacker, Elliott Schaper, emerged as a major highlight. Originally from Austin, Texas, Schaper stepped up after injuries sidelined several linebackers. With Coach Manny Diaz relying on the depth of his front seven, Schaper delivered one of the top defensive performances in the country during Week 6.
Impressive Defensive Stats
- 12 tackles, leading the team
- 2 sacks
- 1 interception leading to a Duke touchdown
Schaper’s breakout performance came after he recorded only three tackles in a previous game against Syracuse. This strong showing could potentially earn him more defensive snaps in upcoming games, especially as the Blue Devils continue to deal with injuries.
Key Defensive Figures and Future Potential
Pro Football Focus highlighted Schaper’s tackling reliability, awarding him a grade of 84.4 for tackling and 87.4 for pass rushing. However, his overall grade of 54.6 was impacted by inexperience against the run, resulting in a low rush defense grade of 30.3. Despite this, his aggressive style fits well with Diaz’s defensive strategies, which emphasize turnovers and backfield pressure.
Looking ahead, Schaper and the Blue Devils prepare to face No. 13 Georgia Tech next week. The team had a week off to rest and refine strategies, which could provide Schaper more first-team reps and confidence in his role. His progress will be vital as Duke seeks to maintain their strong performance in upcoming games.
Stay tuned with Emegypt for more updates on the Duke Blue Devils as they continue their season.
