M.J. Devonshire was already named the ACC Defensive Back of the Week and Senior Bowl co-Defensive Player of the Week, and he’s picked up another accolade.
The Jim Thorpe Award — an honor given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character — named Devonshire its national cornerback of the week for his performance against Louisville.
Louisville quarterback Jack Plummer targeted Devonshire 14 times Saturday night. 14. And Devonshire allowed just four completions for 34 yards, broke up five pass attempts and picked off Plummer once. It was a pretty impactful interception, too.
“You know, Devonshire was outstanding,” Pat Narduzzi said Saturday night. “We had a couple of holding or PIs, whatever, back there, but M.J. was outstanding. That pick-six, to do that in front of Tony Dorsett and Darrelle Revis up there, that’s big time.
“I think I told him right before that series, hey, you’re going to take one to the house, and sure enough, he did. It was time — turnovers were timely and really good.”
It hasn’t been the easiest season for Devonshire so far, especially not after entering the season with sky-high expectations, internally and externally, but he was exemplary against a very good Louisville offense. And he knew he was capable of it, of course.
“Everybody has to face adversity at some point in your life, and coach Junko says it best, never get too high, never get too low, and maybe through the offseason I got too high,” Devonshire said. “God has a plan for everybody, I truly believe that and I trusted it, there were some dark days, but when it stops raining, the sun gotta come out. You just gotta pray and keep going, and one day the sun’s going to come out.”
Devonshire has racked up 15 tackles (nine solo), one interception, eight pass breakups and a defensive touchdown. He’s also handled punt return duties, but he hasn’t had many opportunities.
