A 1999 graduate of Colbert County High School Dante was a three sport athlete in football, basketball and track. He was a three time All-Area and All-State football selection in 1996,1997 and 1998 as well as a Parade All-American in 1998. In track he was State Champion in both the discus and sot in the 1999 3-A State Track Meet. Following his graduation from high school he signed a football scholarship with the University of Alabama following numerous offers from schools all over the country including every school in the SEC, Dante started as a true freshman for the Crimson Tide in 1999 making the All-SEC Freshman Team along with being selected as a Freshman All-American. After lettering at Alabama for 4 years he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL and also was on a World Bowl Championship team in Europe for the Berlin Thunder.