Aug. 1, 2001

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - Head coach Frank Tavani has announced the commitment of two more incoming freshman. The arrival brings the Class of 2005 total to 24 for the 2001 squad.

Defensive lineman Stephen Bono (Upper Saddle River, N.J./Northern Highlands Regional) is a 6-3, 260-pound standout from Northern Highlands Regional High School. A team captain, Bono earned All-League, All-County and Third-Team All-State honors, and participated in the New Jersey North/South All-Star football game this past summer. He received the prestigious New Jersey Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar Award and was a member of the National Honor Society's executive committee. Bono joins the program as a Lafayette College Marquis Scholar.

Fullback Anthony Jones (Houston, Texas/Aldine High School/West Point Prep) is a 6-0, 220-pound arrival from the United States Military Preparatory Academy where he led the team in tackles. A tight end at Aldine High School, he made 20 receptions for 520 yards and five touchdowns as a senior. Jones earned All-District honors in football and excelled on the basketball court, attaining honorable mention All-District honors.

"We're glad we could get two talented student-athletes this late in the recruiting process," Tavani said. "Bono and Jones are two solid additions to what we feel is already a strong freshman class."

Lafayette has had success in signing late recruits in the past. Sophomore Jeremy Burkes was also a late signee from West Point Prep who played in all 11 games for the Leopards in 2000 and was the team's second-leading receiver with 34 receptions.

Lafayette football's Class of 2005 consists of 24 student-athletes from 10 different states, including six from Florida.