U.S. Naval Academy kicker Daniel Davies, who made the first three field goal attempts of his career, including the decisive 36-yarder in the second overtime as the Midshipmen earned their first victory this season, is the Washington Metro College Player of the Week.

Davies, who began the season as the Navy’s third-string placekicker and normally is the team’s holder, also made a 37-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 43-yard field goal in the first overtime as Navy beat host East Carolina, 23-20.

“What an amazing story,” Navy Coach Ken Niumatalolo said.

A senior from suburban Dallas, Davies was the Midshipmen’s punter in 2020. He was the holder on place kicks last season and this season. But with starting placekicker Bijan Nichols sidelined by an injury, Davies this past week won a practice competition to earn the right to kick against East Carolina.

Davies was perfect on the night. His first field goal tied the game 3-3 entering halftime. There was considerably more pressure in the first overtime, when he needed to make a longer kick to force another overtime period.

“I’ve been part of pressure kicks before, but it’s definitely different” being the kicker and not the holder, Davies said.

Having sent the game to a second overtime, Davies looked forward to the opportunity to make a game-winning kick. He had missed a similar opportunity in high school, the only other time he had attempted a kick, but resolved that this instance would be different.

“That’s what you prepare for in practice, a game-winner type situation,” Davies said. “Every kick in practice is a game-winner, so when you get into the moment you’re ready for it.”

This week’s DC Touchdown Club Washington Metro College Football Player of the Week Honor Roll is:

Shepherd WR Marlon Cook (Potomac, Md.) caught nine passes for 212 yards and one touchdown as the Rams beat Kutztown, 42-35.
Virginia State QB Jordan Davis (Woodbridge) completed 18 of 30 passes for 251 yards and one touchdown and rushed 10 times for 59 yards and two touchdowns as the Trojans beat Livingstone, 37-7.
Frostburg State DE Luke Freeman (Linganore) made nine tackles with three for losses, a sack and forced two fumbles as the Bobcats lost to Concord, 23-22.
Minnesota RB Mo Ibrahim (Good Counsel) rushed 22 times for 103 yards and one touchdown as the Golden Gophers beat Michigan State, 34-7.
California (Pa.) RB Eric McKan (Bullis) rushed 15 times for 117 yards and three touchdowns as the Vulcans beat Edinboro, 49-7.
UCF DL Tre’Mon Morris-Brash (St. John’s) made three tackles, had one sack and recovered two fumbles as the Knights beat Georgia Tech, 27-10.
Penn State S Zakee Wheatley (Spalding) made his first career interception and had five tackles as the Nittany Lions beat Central Michigan, 33-14.