Franklin Regional product Todd Summers leaving Villanova
When the Colonial Athletic Association decided to move football to the spring because of health and safety concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, it virtually stamped out the final days of Todd Summers’ college career.
At least his days at Villanova.
A Franklin Regional graduate, Summers would have been a senior tight end who was coming off a strong junior year. But if he plays again, it appears he will do so at a different school. Summers has entered his name into the NCAA Transfer Portal as he looks for a new place to play.
While the postponement of the season motivated him to make a run at a fifth year, losing a full season was disheartening. Some things that were out of his control forced him to fall back.
Education was just as much a factor as football.
Villanova was only able to provide fifth-year seniors with one semester worth of a scholarship, which ultimately changed Summers’ outlook on his future.
“The fifth-year players would need to take a semester off in the fall or pay for the fall semester on their own,” the 6-foot-5, 245-pound Summers said. “I want to go to a place where I can get into graduate school and play good football for my fifth year.”
Last year, Summers caught 34 passes for 364 yards and six touchdowns. He was a preseason fourth-team All-American heading into 2020.
“I had a great four years at Nova and I appreciate what all the coaches have done for me,” Summers said. “I never expected to put my name in the transfer portal, but with so much uncertainty it is the best option and I am excited for a new opportunity.”
In high school, Summers was a two-time all-conference honoree and Tribune-Review all-star.
Todd Summers is in the transfer portal! 6’5” 245 TE/FB - top rated CAA TE. someone’s going to get a stud! @UBFootball @MiamiOHFootball @OhioFootball @KentStFootball @ToledoFB @ZipsFB @BG_Football @BallStateFB @NIU_Football @SIU_Football @WMU_Football @EMUFB @CMU_Football pic.twitter.com/1SaEDJhSX5
— The Lab Sports Performance (@thelab_sp) August 6, 2020
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
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