Scheme fit was a crucial factor in DL Tommy Rupley’s commitment to Duke.

Duke has secured a commitment from defensive lineman Tommy Rupley, who explained his decision to commit. Rupley had multiple options and took his time to make a thoughtful decision.

The defensive fit was exactly what defensive lineman Tommy Rupley was seeking. Already aware of Duke’s academic reputation, he found the campus environment to be comfortable.

As the standout from Belmont Hill (Mass.) School analyzed the key factors of his decision, everything seemed to lead him towards the Blue Devils.

Standing at 6 feet 3 and a half inches, weighing 250 pounds, Rupley announced his commitment to Duke on Friday. A significant factor in his decision was how he would fit into the defensive scheme.

As the official visit season approached, the Belmont Hill (Mass.) School defensive end kept thinking about one school. Over Memorial Day weekend, the 6-foot-3 1/2, 250-pound Rupley committed to Duke.

“The university is really what sold me,” Rupley said. “The campus is beautiful, and the academics are the best in the world.”

Rupley found that Duke’s defensive scheme aligns well with his playing style. As a junior, he recorded 10 sacks, and Duke’s system will allow him to pressure the quarterback from the edge. His trust in defensive coordinator Manny Diaz’s scheme and his relationship with defensive ends coach Harland Bower were crucial factors in his decision.

Rupley is also a track and field athlete at Belmont Hill, with a personal best of 149-4 in discus and an impressive 49-6 in shot put.

Here’s everything you need to know:

### WHAT TOMMY RUPLEY SAYS ABOUT DUKE

“It’s a system that is kind of built for d-ends, and it is something I am interested in,” Rupley said. “Overall, Durham is a cool city. They are on the rise right now football-wise.”

WHO ELSE WAS IN THE MIX?

Beating out Penn State is a significant win for Duke. Rupley adjusted his official visit schedule, which was set to begin with a May 31 trip to College and conclude with a June 21 visit to Penn State. Boston College, being local, and Penn State, which offered in March after a visit, were also strong contenders. Rupley also had an official visit planned to Virginia, and Northwestern was in the mix due to its strong academics. His official visit to Duke will be June 14-16.

### WHERE TOMMY RUPLEY RANKS AS A RECRUIT

Rupley has a 247Sports grade of 87, making him the No. 3 player in Massachusetts and the No. 71 defensive lineman in the nation. The 247Sports Composite ranks him as the No. 90 defensive lineman and No. 895 player in the class of 2025.

### HOW TOMMY RUPLEY FITS WITH DUKE

Duke is heavily recruiting the New England area this cycle, with Rupley being the third commit from the region. He joins defensive lineman and teammate Sampson Onuoha and Hamden (Conn.) Hall linebacker Asher Wasserman in Duke’s class. The Blue Devils’ focus on the northeast is evident, with six of their ten commitments coming from this region. This aligns with coach Manny Diaz’s familiarity with the area from his time as Penn State’s defensive coordinator. With Rupley’s commitment, Duke has the No. 25 recruiting class in the nation and the No. 8 class in the ACC.

### WHAT WE THINK ABOUT TOMMY RUPLEY

Rupley’s ability to reach the quarterback impresses 247Sports scouting analyst Hudson Standish:

“Estimated around 6-3, ½, 250 pounds, primarily operating as a wide nine-technique with his hand in the dirt. Appears to have the frame capacity to stack mass and slide inside, but Rupley’s ability to run the hoop and bend around offensive tackles is valuable enough that the farthest inside he should move is as a five-technique. Relentless motor when getting after the quarterback paired with his quick first step and athletic tools make him a tough ask for opposing New England Prep offensive linemen.

“Must improve his ability to take on double teams against the run, and his overall play strength but that should get solved after spending time in a collegiate strength and conditioning program.

“Profiles as a potential rankings riser depending on his senior year performance along with acquiring ideal verified data on his physical specs and athletic testing.”