Duke cornerback [autotag]Chandler Rivers[/autotag] has been the biggest star of a steller Blue Devils defense this season, and it seems Pro Football Focus agrees that the junior is underrated among his peers.
As of Thursday afternoon, Rivers leads FBS cornerbacks with a 90.4 defensive grade (among players with at least 50 snaps).
Rivers intercepted a pass in three straight games during the middle of the season, starting his run with a pick-six against the Florida State Seminoles. He also snagged a pass from SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings and Miami star Cam Ward, the two passers likely to face off in the conference championship game.
The third-year defensive back has also broken up nine passes, and his 12 passes defended have him in a tie for 12th. That total also leaves Rivers in a tie with Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter, the presumed Heisman favorite.
Rivers’ 89.0 PFF coverage grade is tied for sixth among qualifying FBS corners, but he stands out among his peers with a 90.8 pass-rushing grade. Blue Devils defensive coordinator Jonathan Patke, a Broyles Award nominee, enjoys sending his star corner on coordinated blitzes, and PFF credits him with nine pressures through 11 games.