PITTSBURGH — Four Dukes were recognized by the NEC on Monday following Duquesne's 37-0 road win at Mercyhurst. Running back Ness Davis, linebacker Avery Morris, and kicker Matt Clark earned the league's Offensive, Defensive, and Special Teams Player of the Week honors, while defensive lineman Kevin Kurzinger was named a Prime Performer.

Davis powered a ground attack that racked up over 360 rushing yards — the Dukes' highest total since 2018 — finishing with 164 yards on 17 carries (9.6 yards per attempt) and a 59-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The redshirt sophomore out of Athens, Ga. tallied 106 of his yards in the first quarter. It marked his third 100-yard game of the season and fourth of his career.

NESS DAVIS 59 YARDS TO THE HOUSE 🏡 pic.twitter.com/TmFbuNyChu

— Duquesne Football (@DuqFB) October 18, 2025

Morris anchored a defense that posted a shutout and was also recognized as an honorable mention National Defensive Player of the Week by Stats Perform. The graduate linebacker recorded a team-high nine tackles, matching his career high, and scored his second defensive touchdown of the season on a 35-yard scoop after Ish Findlayter forced a fumble.

💪 TURNOVER. TOUCHDOWN. DUKES.

Ish Findlayter punches it out, Avery Morris takes it to the house! Dukes up 27-0!#GoDukes pic.twitter.com/M62j3Cmko8

— Duquesne Football (@DuqFB) October 18, 2025

Clark contributed 13 points in the win, connecting on field goals from 27, 26, and 31 yards and converting all four extra points. His three field goals tied for the second-most in a single game in program history, matched the most in the NEC this season, and were the most by an NEC kicker against a Division I opponent. The senior from Easton, Pa., also recorded four touchbacks on seven kickoffs. It marks the second straight week a Duquesne player has earned the league's special teams honor.

Kurzinger rounded out the Dukes' honorees as a Prime Performer. The graduate defensive lineman posted a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks as part of a defensive front that held Mercyhurst to just 12 rushing yards and 118 total yards of offense.

Duquesne (5-3, 3-0 NEC) will look to extend its four-game win streak when it travels to Wagner on Saturday. Kickoff from Staten Island is set for noon and will be broadcast on ESPN+, SportsNet Pittsburgh, and the YES Network.

2025 NEC Weekly Honors

• Week 1: WR – Joey Isabella (Prime Performer)
• Week 2: QB – Tyler Riddell (Prime Performer)
• Week 3: WR – Joey Isabella (Prime Performer) // LB – Jabari Odoemenem (Prime Performer)
• Week 4: RB – Ness Davis (Prime Performer)
• Week 5: QB – Tyler Riddell (Offensive Player of the Week) // WR – Joey Isabella (Prime Performer) // LB – Avery Morris (Prime Performer)
• Week 6: LB – Tyson Meiguez (Defensive Player of the Week) // WR – Ryan Petras (Rookie of the Week) // QB – Tyler Riddell (Prime Performer) // RB – Ness Davis (Prime Performer)
• Week 7: DB – Joel Kpassou (Special Teams Player of the Week) // WR – Ryan Petras (Rookie of the Week) // LB – Tyson Meiguez (Prime Performer) // QB – Tyler Riddell (Prime Performer)
• Week 8: RB – Ness Davis (Offensive Player of the Week) // LB – Avery Morris (Defensive Player of the Week - Honorable Mention National DPOW) // K – Matt Clark (Special Teams Player of the Week) // DL – Kevin Kurzinger (Prime Performer)

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