Villanova’s Avit Advantage – Philadelphia Sports Nation

Villanova’s football program has had plenty of great talent over the years.

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.