In three games for Duke, Jonah Burton has caught eight passes for 124 yards and a touchdown. While those stats don’t exactly stand out, the Idaho State transfer’s words about his responsibility on the field do, and they show maturity from him and the entire wide receiver group that has helped the Blue Devils get off to a 3-0 start.
"I feel like our receiver room really feeds off the run game," he said. "Just going in, busting our butts for Nate, getting our blocks, even if we're like 30 yards away from the play, making sure that we're giving our all for our brothers on the O-line, running backs, because we know they're going to give their all for us."
Heading into the season, Manny Diaz and his team knew this offense's identity: physical and punishing
on the ground. So far, that’s worked to a charm, especially with running back Nate Sheppard, who leads the nation in all-purpose yards (196.7 per game) and rushing yards (176.00 per game). It’s also helped Walker Eget, who came from San Jose State to fill Darian Mensah’s shoes at quarterback.
Most importantly, Burton has noticed a change in the environment from what he’s seen in the past, noting that everyone seems locked in on the same goals.
"It was everyone connecting, just talking, almost just old school," he said.
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This article originally appeared on Duke Wire: Duke receivers feeding off running game, Nate Sheppard
