When it came to Lehigh vs. Villanova on Saturday at Goodman Stadium in the second round of the NCAA FCS Championship , one team with a Philly connection had to lose.
Lehigh had opened the scoring early in the third quarter. Villanova then tied the game with a one-yard plunge by Ja’briel Mace.
Credit: Villanova Football-Twitter/X
After a scoreless first half and a 7–7 deadlock through the 3rd quarter , Villanova would take the lead with a 28-yard connection between Pat McQuaide and Braden Reed with just over three minutes left in the contest. On the very next possession, Villanova’s defense came up big again, stopping a Lehigh drive when Obinna Nwobodo stripped Mountain Hawks Quarterback Hayden Johnson to preserve the upset of #5 Lehigh.
In the season finale against Scared Heart on Saturday, that included a mesmerizing performance on the ground from Ja’briel Mace, including 165 yards and two scores on nine carries, including an 80-yard scamper and a receiving touchdown in the 34–10 win. A week before, in an overtime win against Stony Brook with David Avit out due to a knee injury , Isaiah Ragland ran the ball for nearly 100 yards.
Perhaps it’s finest — running back Brian Westbrook — whose career as an all-purpose player led him to a 1,000-yard rushing and receiving year in the same season (the first player in college to do so), the Walter Payton Award, and FCS Player of the Year. His contributions would land him in the Villanova Hall of Fame before playing six seasons with the Eagles.
Former Villanova running back Kevin Monangai, who earned All-CAA Honors while a Wildcat, went on to play in the NFL for the Eagles and the Vikings. In the 1960s — running back Billy Joe was the only Villanova athlete ever inducted into the Varsity Club Hall of Fame for two sports — and would go on to play professionally for the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, and was a World Champion with the New York Jets.
Now the Villanova Wildcats have a sophomore running back named David Avit.
And they almost lost him.
After a freshman season with 923 yards rushing and nine touchdowns , Avit has followed up so far this year by breaking out against Monmouth with 135 yards. He followed up that performance with 102 yards last week against the University of New Hampshire and 63 yards this week against Elon.
Right after a spectacular last season , David Avit entered the transfer portal. But now he’s back, already building in 2025 on what he started in 2024. For a 4–2 Villanova football team , they’ll need him to finish strong in 2025.
Either way , Villanova is where Avit calls his collegiate home.
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Traditionally, the fullback played as a blocker, clearing the way for running backs or quarterbacks. The athletes who played the position tended to be large, physical, intimidating players, and while they would also be used to collect some passes, their primary role in the team was to block.
More recently, the position has fallen out of favor.
Only a single fullback was even picked in this year’s draft, although some teams are starting to transition existing players into quasi-fullbacks – running backs who can also block.
The Eagles
Having won last year’s Super Bowl, the Eagles are once again among the favourites to lift the trophy this year, having been given odds of +700 to do so. The event remains one of the most significant betting events of the calendar and is not only popular in the US but overseas, with bettors using secure offshore wagering accounts to find the best odds and bet on their NFL favourites.
According to sports betting expert Steven Brown, the NFL, in general, is one of the most popular sports for betting in the US.
The Eagles will prove popular once again this year, and one of the reasons some neutrals will be rooting for them is because they are effectively reintegrating the fullback position – a position that has become somewhat nostalgic.
1) Keith Byars
Byars was the tenth overall pick in the 1986 NFL Draft, when he was picked up by the Eagles. He had enjoyed an excellent college career, although his senior year was blighted by a foot injury, which reoccurred when Byars tried rushing back before the injury had fully healed. He was a multifunctional player, slotting in as running back and right end as well as fullback, and he was known for excellent running, efficient pass catching, and, critically for the fullback role, his blocking skills. He is considered by many to be the best fullback the Eagles have ever had.
Byars remained with the Eagles until 1993, when he joined the Miami Dolphins. He would also go on to play for the New England Patriots and the New York Jets and was widely regarded at all the clubs he played for. He retired from playing in 1998, losing his final game with the New York Jets, when they were beaten by the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
2) Kevin Turner
PHOTO: Dave Adamson/Unsplash
Two years after Byars left the Eagles, Kevin Turner took his place in the fullback role. Turner had excelled as a blocker with the Alabama Crimson Tide college team, and, as a result, he was picked in the third round of the 1992 draft by the New England Patriots. He played three seasons for New England before he moved to the Eagles and played five seasons. Turner finished his career in 1999 after suffering two neck injuries.
He won the Ed Block Courage Award for having played through previous injuries. Following his retirement, Turner led a lawsuit against the NFL regarding concussions in the sport. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2016 – his passing was later attributed to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, caused by repeated head injuries.
3) Jon Ritchie
Jon Ritchie was widely considered one of the best high school fullbacks in the country. Despite being courted by Penn State, he opted to play college football for Michigan. After transferring to Stanford, he was initially deployed as a linebacker but eventually transitioned back to fullback.
In 1998, he was picked by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the draft and spent five seasons there before joining the Eagles in 2003. After two years playing fullback for Philadelphia, Ritchie retired from playing and took up a role commentating in Philly.
4) Leonard Weaver
Leonard Tony Weaver III had a relatively short career and only saw a single season with the Eagles, but that one season was a glowing one. Having played a linebacker and H-back for Carson-Newman College, Weaver signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2005. Here, he converted to the fullback position and signed a one-year extension in 2008.
After the 2008 season, he left the Seahawks and joined the Eagles as an unrestricted free agent. He was widely considered the best fullback in the league by the end of the 2009 season, but was injured in his first carry of the 2010 season, ultimately being forced to retire in 2011.
5) Ben VanSumeren
Although the fullback position has largely fallen out of favor, one player who wants to see it resurrected is Ben VanSumeren. VanSumeren was recruited to play fullback for Michigan at college, but soon converted to the running back position and then linebacker. He was picked up by the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
“It’s something I did growing up, and it is something I did in college as well, and so there has never been a time when I felt I had to knock the rust off.”
If you’d been a die-hard football fan in Philly in the early 20th century — attending games at Franklin Field — you would have almost certainly not expected to spend Sunday’s routing for an NFL Franchise.
It would be 1924 before Philadelphia actually had an NFL Team and another eight years before the Eagles.
Philly still has the oldest stadium in operation today: Franklin Field.
Dating back to April 1895, Franklin Field first opened as a location for 5,000 fans to see the Penn Relays. No college football stadium in America has seen more.
On Friday night — in a college football matchup that was first played one hundred and forty-five years ago in 1879 and then renewed again after 1893 — Yale played the University of Penn. Yale has the lead in the series 51–37–1 and won the game 31–10 while stifling Penn’s offense. Quarterback Aiden Sayin left the game with an injury in the first quarter, giving way to Liam O’Brien and freshman Karson Siqueiros-Lasky.
PHOTO: William Bretzger/Delaware News Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn Images
For Garnett Valley High School football standout and Glen Mills, PA native Shane Reynolds — playing football for the Naval Academy isn’t just a chance to play — it’s a chance to serve; until this week — the Navy and Army were both ranked for the first time since 1960 and undefeated in football — a feat that hasn’t been done since 1945. While Army sat idol after a 45–28 win last week against East Carolina — #24 Navy was throttled by #12 Notre Dame — and saw Philly native Shane Reynolds gain only six yards of offense.
If you were a young football fan in Philly, you may have witnessed the 1899 Army-Navy Game at Franklin Field.
The City that’s hosted the most meetings of the last regular-season college football games each year?
NCAA Football is Once Again a Philly Autumn Obsession.
But Is the Local Feel Fading Away?
Suppose you haven’t gotten an opportunity to take in some great Pennsylvania High School Football yet this fall. In that case, you still have plenty of time to enjoy a Friday night frenzy or Saturday spectacular at many Philadelphia area high school fields or stadiums.
You may even get an opportunity to see a 4th and short trademarked Philadelphia bulldozing, pile-driving-tush push — but not from the Eagles (at least not until Sunday).
For most of us, fall plans of leaf raking and errand running must be worked on Saturday around the national obsession of college football.
However, seeing some of the nation’s marquee matchups is proving more difficult in the Philadelphia area each year.
Temple Football
PHOTO: Danny Wild/Imagn Images
Temple Football, the preeminent Football Program in Philadelphia dating back to 1894 and once influenced by the great Pop Warner, hasn’t gone to a bowl game since 2019 and hasn’t won one since 2017.
Between 1990 and 2009, Temple Football didn’t have a winning season. Instead, it held on to the promise of a newly constructed stadium in Philadelphia, which has not yet happened.
LaSalle Football
LaSalle College and then LaSalle University — who developed a football program during the US Depression era in 1931 until it was discontinued in 2007 due to funding issues. From 1931 until 2007, the football program had only seven winning seasons.
We’ll have to wait to see if the beginnings of a resurgence in LaSalle’s athletic programs beginning in 2025 will include a return to football.
Villanova Football
Perhaps Philadelphia’s saving grace in football lies in its suburbs. Villanova, with a combined record of 647–495–41 (a winning percentage of .564), a legacy since 1894, and one claimed National Championship in 2009. Or the University of Delaware — with its six Division I FCS National Titles, 24 playoff appearances, and 17 Conference Titles.
Penn Football
Sitting snugly on the University of Penn campus is one hundred thirty-year-old Franklin Field, whose Gilded-Age Era exterior facade of Weightman Hall has seen six of Penn’s seven national championships, last won in 1924.
The Eagles beat the Packers in 1960, and the Philadelphia Stars won a USFL title in 1984. It is the oldest college football stadium still in use today.
The Philadelphia region’s PIAA already boasts one of the best high school football programs in the country.
Its surrounding PA suburbs deserve the same great experience on Saturday as on Friday.
As the team seeks to solidify their wide receiver corps, securing Dotson through a trade with the Washington Commanders answers lingering questions about their WR3 position.
With his impressive speed and versatility, Dotson brings a dynamic edge, ready to complement stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
This new chapter could help him unlock his full potential in a system that may suit his skills perfectly.
Dotson’s Role in the Eagles’ Offense
The Eagles’ decision to bring in Dotson has certainly generated interest, especially with the recent signing of star running back Saquon Barkley to a substantial three-year, $37.75 million deal. Dotson’s playful response on social media, jokingly asking, “Whose MUT team is this?”—referring to Madden Ultimate Team—speaks to the playful camaraderie that often develops within a competitive franchise. Now, as part of an offense that seems to be in ‘Franchise Mode,’ Dotson represents a strategic upgrade that the Eagles clearly need.During the offseason, the Eagles were grappling with the challenge of finding a reliable third wide receiver to support their already impressive duo. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have proven to be formidable forces on the field, leaving the WR3 spot up for grabs. Despite efforts to evaluate veterans such as Parris Campbell, John Ross, and Britain Covey, none were able to firmly establish themselves during training camp. Dotson, who comes in at just 24 with a promising background, now has the opportunity to take over this critical role.
PHOTO: Wallpapers.com
Dotson caught 84 passes for 1,041 yards and 11 touchdowns during his two years with the Commanders. However, his journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Playing with an array of quarterbacks, such as Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke, Dotson experienced the ups and downs of a constantly shifting offensive structure. Although he showcased flashes of brilliance, his statistics reveal a need for improvement in consistency. For instance, last season, his targets per route run and yards per route run ranked among the lowest among wide receivers, and he also struggled with a notable drop percentage.
As he transitions to the Eagles, Dotson’s ability to make the most of limited opportunities becomes paramount.
The offensive strategy led by head coach Kellen Moore seems to indicate a shift in approach, allowing receivers more movement and flexibility. This could be a boon for Dotson, who is primarily effective in the slot but has also demonstrated the ability to line up on the outside. This versatility means that when other top receivers like Smith and Brown move into different roles, Dotson can step up and fill the gaps as needed.Dotson’s speed cannot be overlooked; clocking in at 4.43 seconds for the 40-yard dash at the combine, he possesses the ability to stretch the field, which could create more opportunities for his teammates. Given the Eagles’ plans to utilize Barkley in the passing game as well, there’s a possibility that defenses will need to devote significant resources to managing multiple offensive threats. This opens up a chance for Dotson to become a reliable outlet when the primary stars are covered.The training bonds he has formed with A.J. Brown could also play a vital role in Dotson’s adaptation to his new team. The two have worked together in the offseason, pushing each other to new heights. Their shared goal of excellence, as seen in their competitive training sessions, could translate into on-field chemistry throughout the NFL season. Moreover, Dotson’s connection to the Nittany Lions with Saquon Barkley could help him acclimate more quickly to the team dynamics.While the Eagles did give up valuable draft picks to acquire Dotson, the team’s strategic planning regarding their 2025 capital provides some reassurance. Losing one third-round pick is a worthwhile trade-off for a player who has the potential to fulfill the WR3 role and contribute positively to the team. General manager Howie Roseman has shown his ability to work within the confines of draft strategy while also being aggressive in making moves that could benefit the team’s immediate success.Ultimately, the Eagles are banking on Dotson’s ability to rise to the occasion and seize the opportunities that come his way. The expectations for him may differ from his previous role in Washington. Still, if he can keep defenders honest while remaining ready to contribute when called on, he could become an essential piece of Philadelphia’s offense. All eyes will be on Dotson as he steps into what many hope will be a breakout season in green and white, bringing his talents to a team eager to contend for a championship.
PHOTO: William Bretzger/Delaware News Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK/Imagn Images
PHOTO: Danny Wild/Imagn Images
