WATCH: Devin Duvernay UA jersey presentation
SACHSE, Texas -- Devin Duvernay was presented with an Under Armour All-America jersey Wednesday afternoon, in a ceremony attended by friends, teammates and family at Sachse High.
Duvernay, the No. 52-ranked prospect in the 2016 class, is in the final year of a stellar high school career on the football field and on the track. Today was yet another box checked for the 5-foot-11, 195-pound receiver and return man.
“It means a lot because I’ve always dreamed about playing in it when I was younger as a kid,” said Duvernay. “It was really big to get the invitation last year, and to play in it now as a senior is a really big thing.”
#ESPN300 WR @Dev_Duv5 receives Under Armour @AllAmericaGame jersey. @AspireDallas @UAFootball pic.twitter.com/Ixj46aodme
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) October 7, 2015
The two-sport star who took home the Texas 6A 100-meter state title in May with a blazing time of 10.27 seconds is not new to creating firsts as an athlete at Sachse High. When he takes the field for the Under Armour All-America Game, he will add another to the list.
“It means a lot to be the first player selected here [Sachse]. I feel like I’m doing good things for the program and helping put us out there more. I was our first state champion, so it was big putting us out there with that.”
While Duvernay is a soft-spoken player on the field and humble off the field, he carries himself with a quiet confidence. Because of that confidence within, the growing list of accomplishments is not a surprise.
“I want to defend the 100 this year, but I have been doing all that I’ve expected. I expect big things and trust in what I do. I believe in what I do. I expected to win the state championship in the 100, and do big things on the football field and earn big achievements like this. All the work is paying off.”
#ESPN300 WR @Dev_Duv5 at Under Armour @AllAmericaGame jersey ceremony. @UAFootball @SachseStangs pic.twitter.com/8iP0V34CYA
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) October 7, 2015
Big decision on the way
Before Duvernay takes the field for the Under Armour All-America Game, he will very likely have made a decision on the next four years of his life. While the schools closer to home are considered to have the advantage, defending national champion Ohio State made a strong case during a recent official visit
“I had a great time," Duvernay said of his visit to Columbus. "It helped them out a lot because I went in blind and had a lot of questions. I got all my questions answered, and had a great time. I had a great time at the game, and it was a great atmosphere.”
Duvernay's questions for Urban Meyer and his staff?
“Just basically why they feel like they have a need for me, and what can they see me doing up there. They could see me doing things like Dontre Wilson and Braxton Miller. Basically, doing a lot of the things I do here at Sachse -- putting me in the backfield, motioning me out, putting me in the slot and using my speed.”
Up next will be an official visit this weekend to Alabama, with official visits to be set to Baylor and Oklahoma. Duvernay broke down the three schools left to visit.
Alabama: "I went at the end of last school year. I know a little bit about them, but I’m mainly going out there to feel the atmosphere and talk to some of the players and see how things are. That’s basically it."
Baylor: "I like Baylor. They were my first offer. I’ve been recruited by them the longest, and they have always been there. I’ve built a solid relationship and like the offense, of course. Along with Ohio State, Baylor is an offense I feel like I could have a lot of success in. I think I could fit in perfectly there."
Oklahoma: "I’ve been there once. I didn’t really get much out of it. I want to go again, and find out more. I want to see the atmosphere and what life is like there. Obviously, they have been doing pretty good on offense and it’s another offense that I could do well in."
While time is running out with a decision likely before Thanksgiving, Duvernay said he plans to take a final official visit to TCU, Oklahoma State or LSU.
With his brother Donvoan Duvernay already committed to Baylor, the toughest decision in front of the ultra-talented playmaker will be whether to make the decision that best suits the family, or go in a different direction.
Talented family? #ESPN300 WR @Dev_Duv5 & #SicEm commit @DDuvernay28. @AspireDallas pic.twitter.com/wfyTVpnL2H
— Gerry Hamilton (@HamiltonESPN) October 7, 2015
“It’s pretty hard because I know they would like us to go to the same school, but they want me to go where I want to go too. Baylor is in the mix, but I’ve been taking things slow and work towards a decision. I guess we’ll just see.”