The D.C. Defenders have signed wide receiver Javon Antonio and offensive lineman Charles Turner, while releasing wide receiver Shaq Davis on Saturday according to Pro Football Newsroom reporter James Larsen.
Javon Antonio is six foot four and weighs 225 pounds. The 26-year-old from LaPlace, Louisiana, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Collegiately, Antonio played two seasons at Hinds Community College (2018-19) making 44 catches for 621 yards, and four touchdowns in 19 games for the Eagles. Next, he transferred to Northwestern State (2020-22) making 95 catches for 1,205 yards, 10 touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 18 games for the Demons. He was named Second Team All-Southland Conference in 2022.
Then, he transferred to Colorado in 2023 making 17 catches for 209 yards, two touchdowns, and one tackle (1 solo) in 10 games for the Buffaloes.
Charles Turner is six foot four and weighs 303 pounds. The 23-year-old from Canton, Ohio, signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent on May 10, 2024. In 2024, he played three preseason games. The Patriots released him on August 26, 2024.
Collegiately, Turner played five seasons at LSU (2019-23) playing right tackle and center in 40 games for the Tigers. In 2023, LSU averaged 45.54 points per game, 204.5 rushing yards per game, 338.9 passing yards per game, 543.5 total yards per game, 79 touchdowns, and allowed 22 sacks finishing 10-3 for the season beating Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He participated in the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Shaq Davis is six foot five and weighs 215 pounds. The 25-year-old from Summerville, South Carolina, signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. In 2023, he made seven catches for 101 yards in three preseason games to earn a spot on the practice squad. The Saints released him on December 7, 2023. The D.C. Defenders signed Davis on December 2, 2024.
The Philadelphia Eagles signed Davis on January 18, 2024. The Eagles released him on August 7, 2024, and he re-signed with the New Orleans Saints on August 12, 2024. In 2024, he appeared in one preseason game recording no stats. The Saints released him on August 27, 2024, and he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 10, 2024, and placed him on the practice squad. The Steelers released him on September 17, 2024.
Collegiately, Davis played four seasons at South Carolina State (2019-22) making 126 catches for 2,648 yards, 27 touchdowns, 17 tackles (12 solos, 5 assists), and one sack in 36 games for the Bulldogs. In the 2021 Celebrations Bowl, Davis made five catches for 95 yards, and three touchdowns helping the Bulldogs beat Jackson State 31-10, and was named MVP.
