Dec. 19, 2007
EASTON, Pa. - With the recent wrap-up of the 2007 FCS football season, the Leopards finished first in the nation in total defense.
Lafayette's defense, which is overseen by defensive coordinator John Loose, gave up just 260.1 offensive yards per game. The team also finished fourth in rushing defense (84.9 yards per game), eighth in scoring defense (16.9 points per game) and 20th in passing defense (175.2 yards per game).
Junior linebacker Andy Romans (Allendale, N.J./St.Joseph Regional) was a key part in the Leopards defense. He racked up 113 tackles, three sacks and three forced fumbles and was named the 2007 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. Senior captains Kyle Sprenkle (Thomasville, Pa./Spring Grove) and Marcel Quarterman (Philadelphia, Pa./Central) earned All-Patriot League First-Team honors after finishing third and fourth on the team in tackles, respectively. Quarterman also made two interceptions on the season, returning one for a touchdown against Georgetown.
Senior defensive lineman Keith Bloom (Monaca, Pa./Monaca), sophomore linebacker Mark Leggiero (Bohemia, N.Y./Connetquot) and junior defensive back Marvin Clecidor (Lakeland, Fla./Lake Gibson) also made significant contributions to the defense and were rewarded as All-Patriot League Second- Team honorees.
Six starters and at least four others who saw significant time on the field will return to the core of Lafayette's defensive unit in 2008. Sophomore Andrew Poulson (Lincroft, N.J./Middletown South) and senior Luke Schade (Jersey City, N.J./St. Peter's Prep),who will return for a fifth year, will continue to anchor a strong defensive line while Romans and Leggiero will hold down linebacking positions. Junior Nigel Bryant (Dade City, Fla./Wesley Chapel) will remain at strong safety while Clecidor continues to make plays at cornerback.
