Nate Sheppard Levels Up in CFB 26

All that turmoil, and the Blue Devils still had a chance at the College Football Playoff, despite what some pundits may say.

Duke cut teams down with an explosive passing attack, led by sophomore quarterback Darian Mensah. However, the Blue Devils didn't develop a consistent rushing attack until late into the season. Still, the ground game had a breakout performer.

Nate Sheppard, a true freshman, took the reins in the backfield quickly and never looked back. He got some extra touches at the end of the season, boosting the Duke offense to the conference title.

Now, Sheppard is rising in the latest update of ratings in EA College Football 26.

Nate Sheppard Up in Latest CFB 26 Ratings

Sheppard improved by four ratings to an 88 overall in this week's ratings update. He was previously an 84 overall running back in the Nov. 21 update.

The former three-star recruit took the lead in the backfield from seniors Anderson Castle and Jaquez Moore in the early portion of the season. He didn't enter the season with high expectations, justified by his 75 overall when the video game launched back in July.

Still, Sheppard took on a larger role and was a star in the backfield. He was second in the ACC in rushing with 962 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He also added 35 catches for 266 yards and one receiving score.

After expressing his displeasure with his role after a loss late in the season to Virginia, Sheppard tallied 23 or more touches in each of the final three games, finding the end zone three times as well.

Sheppard's newest rating is the seventh-highest among ACC running backs. Louisville tailback Isaac Brown takes the top spot with a 94 overall, third-best in the game. Sheppard is just one overall rating behind Virginia running back J'Mari Taylor.

The Blue Devils are expecting Sheppard to stick around in Durham for next season and participate in the team's bowl game on New Year's Eve. Duke will head west to El Paso, Texas, to take on Arizona State in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl.

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