On most Saturdays, redshirt freshman Joe Giles-Harris and sophomore Ben Humphreys are the pulse of Duke’s defense.
The two linebackers—who lead the Blue Devils in tackles—line up side-by-side each play before exploding toward the line of scrimmage, delivering thunderous blows in the backfield and picking up running backs and tight ends in coverage.
Off the field, however, Giles-Harris and Humphreys have a bond that extends beyond football. The two roommates are best friends and lean on one another to keep their minds off the game during their down time.
"When you sleep next to each other every night, you start to get comfortable next to each other,” Humphreys said.
In fact, both players share a method for staying relaxed and entertained while inside their dorm.
“We watch a lot of movies together, watch TV a lot. We just got an Xbox now, so we play video games,” Giles-Harris said. “We’re really mellow.”
Giles-Harris said although he prefers movies that “get the blood flowing," Humphreys' preference for Disney films often wins out.
Watching movies to stay calm during a mentally and physically taxing season is not unique to just Humphreys and Giles-Harris. Redshirt freshman quarterback Daniel Jones and safeties Jordan Hayes and Brandon Feamster often join the two linebackers when a movie is on.
“Anything that's a thriller. Something exciting—comedy,” Giles-Harris said. “We both like [Disney movies]. Ben puts them on. And its kind of like, 'Alright I'll watch this one.”
Other college players and teams around the county also rely on television to de-stress. The News and Observer reported that North Carolina wide receiver Ryan Switzer watches movies before games to take his mind off football. Tennessee head coach Butch Jones also recently gave his players a break from practice by taking them to the movie theater.
But for Humphreys and Giles-Harris, watching movies is an example of how they try to block out football when away from team activities. The two linebackers watch film together after practice, but once they leave the locker room, they like to discuss other aspects of their lives.
“We try to go back to the room and focus on something else,” Giles-Harris said in reference to game plans. “When you start talking about stuff, you overthink things.”
A time when Giles-Harris overthought a play and became confused came in Duke’s season-opener against N.C. Central Sept 3—his first career start.
Humphreys said there was an instance when the Blue Devils were playing one of their base defenses and Giles-Harris was supposed to cover the Eagles’ running back. Instead, the Nyack, N.Y., native let the tailback run free.
“You can’t do that, or else [the running back] is going to the pull the defense,” Humphreys said. “[Afterwards] he kind of just looked at me, and said, ‘Okay'.... He's adjusted to it and he's playing the way he's capable of playing now."
The movies and their close relationship appear to be benefiting them on the field. After sitting out last year, Giles-Harris has emerged as one of Duke’s best defenders, pacing the squad with 32 solo tackles and adding three sacks.
Humphreys has also become one of the Blue Devils' leaders after starting just two games in 2015. The Newport Beach, Calif., native—who transitioned to defensive play-caller this season—is tied with Giles-Harris with a team-high 55 tackles.
“It’s fun playing next to your best friend," Humphreys said. "We trust each other with anything."
Amrith Ramkumar contributed reporting.
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