Dec. 17, 2008
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EASTON, Pa. - Senior LB Andy Romans (Allendale, N.J./St. Joseph Regional) has been named to the Associated Press (AP) All-America Second Team in football it was announced on Wednesday afternoon. Romans, one of the top players to don a Lafayette uniform in recent decades, adds the national distinction to a pair of Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year selections in 2007 and 2008.
In his final season on College Hill, the linebacker made 96 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick for the Leopards, who finished 7-4 overall and 3-3 in Patriot League play. The History major guided a Lafayette defense that placed first in the Patriot League and in the top 20 nationally in rushing, total and scoring defense. Romans finishes his career with three All-Patriot League selections and 326 total tackles, good for 10th place among active FCS players.
"This national selection is a tribute to the hard work that Andy has given to the Lafayette football program over four years," said Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani. "Andy practices the same way he plays -- at 150 miles per hour. I have never coached a player with more drive to succeed than Andy."
Romans earned Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors three times in 2008, coming in consecutive weeks from Oct. 6-20. He received both the Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Oct. 20, as he recorded 12 tackles and a blocked punt that he returned for a touchdown in Lafayette's 35-21 win at No. 14 Liberty on Oct. 18. He was also named a National All-Star by College Sporting News for that performance.
Romans, who just finished the fall semester while taking three history courses and an African studies class, is scheduled to graduate in May with plans of pursuing a career in professional football.
The Allendale, N.J. native is one of just two Patriot League student-athletes selected to the AP's three All-America teams at the FCS level, joining Colgate offensive lineman Nick Hennessey.
