Dec. 10, 2007

EASTON, Pa. - Lafayette senior offensive tackle Jesse Padilla (Hawthorne, N.J./Hawthorne) was named to the 2007 American Football Coaches Association Football Championship Subdivision Coaches' All-America Team on Monday.

This is the second consecutive year an offensive lineman from Lafayette has been given All-America status by the AFCA. Mike Saint Germain made the roster in 2007. In addition to Padilla and Saint Germain, three other Leopards have received All-America accolades from the AFCA, which has selected a team every year since 1945. Tight end Rich Smith (1979), offensive lineman Ed Hudak (1992) and tailback Joe McCourt (2004) were also All-Americans.

Padilla is a two-time All-Patriot league recipient, making the first team in this year. He started in 25 games during his career and anchored an offensive line that helped roll out 364.5 yards of offense and 25.5 points per game.

"Jesse has worked extremely hard and has had a great year," said head coach Frank Tavani. "It's a great honor not only for Jesse, but also for the football program."