College•Eagles•More PHL•News•Unique Columns
It’s the dream of every young Philadelphia regional running back who has ever suited up on a high school field under Friday night lights. The chance to play football for the team that they’ve watch on Sundays — the Philadelphia Eagles. Whether the Eagles are rebuilding, re-tooling, or reveling in the glory of NFC Championships or Super Bowls — it makes no difference. It’s the chance to play for the franchise that they’ve loved since as far back as they can remember.
For two Villanova Wildcats — one past and one present — that dream is hoping to become a reality. Even when the Wildcats (2–4) aren’t having the beginning to 2026 that they expected. Senior running back and kick returner Ja’briel Mace and running back David Avit who transferred to Arizona State last year after 1,700 yards on the ground in two seasons for Villanova previously.
The reality has happened just a few times in Eagles history. One of Villanova’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.
Last season — 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.
Occasionally — the dream happens for a kid from Philadelphia. They get that breath-taking phone call that they’ve been drafted to another NFL team besides the Eagles or signed as a UFDA just days later. Kevin Monangai’s younger brother Kyle from Rutgers is having a breakout career with the Bears. He’s beaten the Eagles twice over the last two seasons while his teammate in the backfield D’Andre Swift from St. Joe’s Prep continues to be one of the top running backs in the NFL.
On Sunday in London — Bhayshul Tuten had a chance to live his dream. He didn’t get a chance to play for the Eagles after a career at Paulsboro High School and rushing for nearly 3,800 yards and just over 75 touchdowns. But he’s now the starting running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Even though he faced the Eagles and didn’t play for them — it’s still a dream come true.
Discover more from Philadelphia Sports Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categorized:College Eagles More PHL News Unique Columns
