Duke Trio Turns Heads at East-West Shrine Bowl with Versatile, Dominant Performances
FRISCO, Texas - With NFL scouts lining the sidelines and All-Star week in full swing, three Duke Blue Devils made the most of their moment at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Defensive end Wesley Williams, interior defensive lineman Aaron Hall, and offensive lineman Brian Parker II each delivered standout performances that not only turned heads but may have shifted their draft trajectories in a big way.
Let’s break down what made this trio such a force in Frisco.
Brian Parker II: From Right Tackle to Centerpiece
Perhaps no player at the Shrine Bowl made a smoother - or more impressive - position switch than Brian Parker II. A college right tackle at Duke, Parker took a bold step by lining up exclusively at center during Shrine Bowl practices. That gamble paid off.
Parker didn’t just hold his own in the middle - he thrived. Named one of the top practice players on the West team, Parker showed scouts that his game translates inside.
At 6’4 ¾” and 306 pounds with 32 ¼” arms, he showcased a sturdy anchor and impressive rotational torque. His ability to handle bull rushes while maintaining leverage and balance stood out all week.
Several draft analysts noted how natural he looked snapping the ball and executing interior blocking techniques. What had previously been a projection - his potential as a center - now has live reps to back it up.
From the film room to the practice field, Parker made it clear: he’s more than just a tackle. He might be a starting NFL center in the making.
Wesley Williams: Edge Menace with Inside Juice
If you watched even a few reps of the Shrine Bowl practices or the game itself, chances are you saw Wesley Williams in the backfield.
The 6’3”, 251-pound edge rusher was a constant disruptor, flashing both speed and power off the edge. But what really elevated his stock was his versatility.
Williams didn’t just win on the outside - he also slid inside on passing downs and looked comfortable doing it. That’s not just a bonus trait; it’s a difference-maker for NFL teams looking for hybrid defenders who can create pressure from multiple alignments.
Williams capped off his strong week with a strip-sack in the end zone that led to a touchdown - a play that perfectly encapsulated his week: explosive, impactful, and relentless. He also showed a strong understanding of stunt concepts, often serving as the picker to free up teammates before cashing in himself as the looper for a sack.
One evaluator even went as far as to call him the best overall player at the Shrine Bowl. That’s high praise, and it’s hard to argue based on what Williams put on tape.
Aaron Hall: Quiet Dominance from the Interior
While Parker and Williams grabbed headlines, Aaron Hall was quietly wrecking shop from the inside. The Duke defensive lineman brought steady pressure all week, and his impact was especially felt during team drills.
Hall teamed up with Navy’s Landon Robinson to collapse the pocket on multiple occasions, including a play that forced an interception. He also recovered a strip-sack in the end zone - the result of Williams’ pressure - showcasing his awareness and ability to finish plays.
At a position where consistency and disruption often matter more than splash plays, Hall made his presence felt in all the right ways. He was regularly mentioned among the top interior defenders of the week and proved he can be a problem against both the run and the pass.
What It All Means
For a Duke program that’s been building quietly, this week in Frisco was a loud statement. All three players - Parker, Williams, and Hall - not only showed they belong on the field with top-tier talent, but that they have the tools to contribute at the next level.
Parker’s position switch could open new draft doors. Williams’ versatility and motor might push him up boards as a scheme-flexible edge. And Hall’s steady disruption from the interior won’t go unnoticed in a league that values pressure up the middle.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is about opportunity - and these Blue Devils didn’t just seize it. They owned it.