By Monte Perez

The University of Fort Lauderdale Eagles had several strong individual performances against Ave Maria, with sophomore linebacker Dante DeSantis and junior wide receiver Loriston Jr. Davidson leading the way on defense and offense.

Defensive Player of the Game: Dante DeSantis

Sophomore linebacker Dante DeSantis was a force on defense, leading the Eagles with 10 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.

DeSantis was all over the field throughout the game, helping keep the Eagles competitive with his ability to make plays from sideline to sideline. He has shown that he can plug up the running game, rush the quarterback, and cover running backs and tight ends coming out of the backfield.

Simply put, DeSantis is becoming an every-down linebacker, and he continues to improve with every game.

The sophomore currently leads the Eagles in tackles with 25 on the season.

His production is a direct reflection of the work he put in during the offseason. DeSantis has spent countless hours "living in the weight room," and that hard work and determination are beginning to show up on Saturdays.

If his development continues at this pace, DeSantis could become one of the key leaders of the Eagles defense.

Offensive Player of the Game: Loriston Jr. Davidson

Junior wide receiver Loriston Jr. Davidson was a one-man wrecking crew against Ave Maria.

Davidson led the Eagles with an impressive 9 receptions for 162 yards, repeatedly finding ways to make plays against an Ave Maria defense that knew he was the Eagles' primary offensive weapon.

Ave Maria put its best cover corner on Davidson, but the speedy junior wide receiver continued to make plays.

Davidson has also developed into a dangerous slot receiver, giving the Eagles another way to get the ball into his hands. His speed makes him a legitimate deep threat who can beat defenders down the sideline.

The numbers tell the story.

#5 is averaging 15.63 yards per reception, leading the Eagles in that category.

For perspective, Seattle Seahawks star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is averaging 16.3 yards per reception.

Davidson's ability to stretch the field gives the Eagles a big-play threat every time he steps onto the field.

Next Up: Southeastern

The Eagles now turn their attention to their next challenge.

The University of Fort Lauderdale travels to Southeastern on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 PM.

With DeSantis continuing to make plays on defense and Davidson emerging as a major weapon on offense, the Eagles will look to build on these individual performances and continue their progress as the season moves forward.

Game Day: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Opponent: Southeastern
Location: Lakeland
Kickoff: 7:00 PM