Davidkov gets early jump on collegiate football career

Davidkov

David Davidkov in his commitment post for University of Iowa

On Jan. 25, former senior David Davidkov graduated from New Trier a semester early and enrolled at the University of Iowa, to get a head start on his football career. 

The decision to graduate a semester wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision, in fact it was one he had thought about before he had even chosen a school.

“I started thinking about early graduation at the beginning of junior year, so when we chose classes for senior year, I made sure I had all the graduation requirements done by the first semester of senior year,” he recalled.

By having a whole semester’s experience by the time the rest of the freshman come in the fall, Davidkov will be already adjusted to the program and be physically plus mentally prepared for the challenges he will encounter.   

And though his early enrollment took away from what would have been a traditional graduation experience, Davidkov believes this could give him a leg up on the competition.

“I’m a person that needs to be developed and the more development I can get the better. I wanted to get to my developmental stage as soon as possible.” said Davidkov. 

However, that by no way means being a mid-year enrollee at a perennial program like Iowa will be easy. He still had to rapidly adjust to a new environment and routine.

His current schedule consists of waking up at 4:00am, two different physical therapy sessions, workouts, school, homework, and finally going to sleep at 8:00pm

Davidkov admitted he’s enjoyed settling into a new environment. 

“But [there] are definitely days where I’ve missed home. The hardest part is managing my time and getting used to the routine and schedule.”

Back at New Trier, the Trevians will miss Davidkov’s work ethic and presence on and off the field for their upcoming spring season. 

Varsity football coach Brian Doll spoke on Davidkov’s time in the program.

“He was special to our entire program.  He treated everyone with respect, and was a great role model to the younger players in our program. Our coaches miss him already, but we are so happy for him,” said Doll.

His former teammate and senior Luke Stewart said his presence on and off the field will be missed. 

“He was such a game changer for the team and was able to ensure the opponents best defensive lineman couldn’t ever get through him. Off the field he was such a great leader and was always encouraging everyone to work their hardest.”

Doll agreed and couldn’t praise him enough,

 “He is considered the top player in the state of Illinois by many. What many don’t know yet is he is an even better person than he is a football player,” said Doll.