The Exeter, Pennsylvania native was a three time all - state wrestler in Pennsylvania for Exeter high school. DeSanto finished fifth in the state and was a runner - up as a junior before heading into his senior year. As a senior DeSanto made the decision to wrestle the same weight as future teammate Spencer Lee who was going after his fourth Pennsylvania state title. In a vision quest like run, DeSanto defeated Lee with a late takedown to win his state title, handing Lee his first and only high school loss. DeSanto would wrestle as a true freshman for the Drexel Dragons compiling an overall record of 29-7 with a ranking as high as fourth in the nation.