D’Quan Douse: Brilliant but Nasty

By Barry Every
SouthernPigskin.com

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The 6-foot-2, 230-pound junior defensive end recorded 67 tackles, 17 TFL’s, eight sacks and three fumble recoveries.

One of the most dominating defensive units in the Greater Savannah Area this past season belonged to Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day. The Cavaliers, led by Head Coach Mark Stroud, held nine of its 13 opponents to ten or less points, including two shutouts. They also racked up a whopping 112 TFL’s, 26 sacks while forcing 23 turnovers.

Two-what way standout D’Quan Douse was one of the true difference makers for the Cavs’. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound junior defensive end recorded 67 tackles, 17 TFL’s, eight sacks and three fumble recoveries. He also caught eight passes for 85 yards and one touchdown while proving to be a devastating blocker from his H-Back position.

His efforts did not go unnoticed earning First Team 3-A All-Region. Even more impressive was the fact he was named First Team All-Greater Savannah as an athlete by the Savannah Morning News, this distinction includes all GHSA and GISA classifications.

“First and foremost, he is a highly intelligent guy in the classroom and he really understands concepts on the field,” Stroud said. “He is a tough physical guy with good size and explosion, but the intangible that really stands out about his game is his nastiness as a player.”

Speaking of intelligence, Douse is a superior student in the classroom sporting a 3.85 core GPA. He has already attained an 1190 on the first take of the SAT. He has set personal goal of scoring higher than a 1250, which is conceivable since he still has a year and a half left in high school.

At this time the schools showing the most interest in his skills are Georgia, Kentucky and as one would expect – Harvard. This past spring Douse attended camps at Clemson and Georgia, but was unable to make any unofficial visits this fall due to the deep run Calvary Day made in the GHSA-A (Private) playoffs. He was invited up to Lexington, Kentucky for a game but was unable to attend.

“Yeah I hit it off with inside linebacker coach Glenn Schumann at Georgia, though they are probably looking at me as a defensive end,” Douse said. “It was also great getting a handwritten letter from Harvard Head Coach Tim Murphy. To be honest I don’t really care where I play in college; I’m fine with either side of the ball.”

At this time Douse has his sights set on playing in the SEC or ACC and would love to hear from schools like Alabama, Clemson, Florida and Florida State. But, honestly it sounds like this young man would be happy to hear from any top flight program that offers a high end education.

“I’ve talked to a couple of SEC schools about his ability,” Stroud said. “He’s going to get more work at H-Back next season; I really think that will increase interest in him. He has nice hands, good feet and is a devastating blocker. Heck, wherever he ends up they might put 50-pounds on him turning him into a defensive tackle. I coached former Clemson great Nick Eason and that’s what happened to him. I just know he is a football player that will make any team better.”

Right now Douse is using his athletic talents on the hardwood, averaging 11 points and seven boards a game for Calvary Day. This spring he may be taking part in track for the first time, with the sole purpose of improving his top end speed.

But, Douse’s biggest concern is leading the Cavs’ to the State Championship Game next season. They last played for the whole shebang in 2013, falling   27-7 to Augusta (Ga.) Aquinas.  As a senior he will be counted for his leadership and producing on both sides of the ball.

“Yeah, next year I will have to be prepared to go both ways all game long, “ Douse said. “ I’ll have to stay on the younger guys so they don’t have any doubts about their abilities. All of us seniors will have to step up.”

Versatility is the key to success in the game of football. Douse has already shown the penchant to be a difference maker on either side of the ball. Whether it’s as a lead blocker, pass catcher or simply holding down the edge defending the run game.

He also fits the mold of a multi-sport athlete that college coaches have come to covet. So no one should be shocked when his recruiting begins to take off.