Epps picks Duquesne

By JEREMY SELLEW

jsellew@yourmvi.com

Since he was little, Antonio Epps always wanted to play college football at the Division I level.

Now, the dream has become a reality.

The South Allegheny two-way star announced Monday his commitment to play football at Duquesne University. The Dukes play football in Division I’s FCS.

“They were my first offer and it’s home,” Epps said of the choice. “Getting the chance to play at home in front of friends and family is unbeatable.

Epps chose the Dukes over offers from Richmond, Sacred Heart, Notre Dame College, Walsh, Lake Erie, Mercyhurst, Fairmont State, Shippensburg, Mount Union and Washington & Jefferson.

While Epps was an offensive juggernaut giving defenses fits in the WPIAL, he’ll play defense for Duquesne head coach Jerry Schmitt.

“They really liked my tackling ability and my versatility to be used anywhere in the secondary, whether it was playing corner, safety or even coming down into the box as a hybrid.”

Epps finished his career with 3,614 rushing yards and 57 total touchdowns. This past season he finished with 1,215 yards on the ground and 22 total touchdowns.

He’s not just a football star for the Gladiators. Before COVID-19 shut down things recently, he was preparing to help guide the South Allegheny basketball team in search of a WPIAL title.

As successful as he was on both the gridiron and hardwood, Epps didn’t have an issue choosing which sport to play in college.

“As much as I love basketball, it honestly wasn’t as hard of a decision I thought it would be,” Epps said. “Coming into high school, I knew football would be the sport that gets me into college one day.

“With that being said, though, I definitely have to shout out the basketball team. We have our eyes on winning both the WPIAL and PIAA championships this year.”

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