Mandeville alumnus Nate Sheppard had his 2024 senior season cut short by a broken fibula on the first offensive play against Ponchatoula nearly a year ago.

That setback may have ended a high school career that included 1,888 total yards from scrimmage and 31 total TDs in just seven games as a senior.

But it didn’t slow Sheppard down as he tackled his rehab with his signature singular season and enrolled early at Duke. The 5-foot-10 standout added 20 pounds in the weight room and entered his freshman year as the Blue Devils’ fourth running back.

He has shot up the depth chart, and everyone is taking notice.

Sheppard earned a place on the On3 Midseason True Freshman All-American Team on Oct. 14. Through six games, Sheppard led Duke with 56 carries for 447 yards and a team-second-best fou

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