By Michael Kelley ’14

Head Coach Frank Tavani and the Lafayette Football Team welcomed 30 new recruits to the Lafayette family this past Wednesday on National Signing Day. Lafayette brings in 16 offensive players, 13 defensive and one special teams player. Tavani said the main focuses were to “beef up” both the offensive and defensive lines, and replenish the linebacking core.

Offensively, there are six offensive lineman, four wide receivers, two quarterbacks, two fullbacks, and two tight ends, as well as one kicker. Defensively, there are five linebackers, four defensive linemen and four defensive backs. Overall, Tavani and the coaching staff was very pleased with the incoming class, describing it as a “slam dunk.”

“We are very happy with the results and feel that the class is on par with our last two recruiting classes, all of which we hope will put in a position to challenge for championships,” Tavani said. The 2011 and 2010 classes consisted 28 and 32 student-athletes respectively.

The size of the incoming offensive lineman is something that especially excites Tavani and the rest of the coaching staff. The six lineman average 6-4, 306 pounds, which is higher than the 2011 and 2010 classes, both of which averaged 6-4, 285 pounds.

“As a former running back myself, I always enjoyed seeing those big horses up there creating some seams,” Tavani said. “These guys just don’t have size, they can move, and are very physical.”

The Leopards were able to sign the tight end they wanted in Brian Keller out of Somerville, N.J. Keller, who originally called Tavani to tell him he committed to Lehigh, but then called back early next morning to change his mind and commit to the Leopards.

“Initially when he told us he committed to Lehigh, we wished him well and treated the situation with professionalism and class,” Tavani said. “I don’t think he would have called the next morning if we didn’t handle the initial decision with a professional attitude.”

Another offensive signing included kicker and punter Ryan Gralish out of Mars High School in Pennsylvania. After former kicker Austin O’Brien ‘15 left the team in early January, the coaching staff contacted and signed Gralish, ranked 71st in the country at kicker by ESPN. Gralish committed to the Leopards late Tuesday night.

Among the more notable offensive signings was that of wide receiver Deuce Gruden, the son of former NFL head coach, Jon Gruden. “We established a relationship with them but we focused on the young man and the education,” Tavani said. “We’re extremely happy to have them be a part of the Lafayette family.” Coach Gruden was texting Tavani throughout the day.

The news was just as good for the Leopards on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive lineman average 6-2, 268 pounds and will provide significant depth to an already deep defensive line led by Rick Lyster ‘13. Among the notable signings was that of Matt Anderson, the grandson of ex-Lafayette assistant, Rutgers, and long time Penn State assistant Dick Anderson. “Anderson is a very physical and very active player and we were very impressed with him,” Tavani said.

The five new linebackers will be competing for time from the get-go. “That will definitely be a spot that will have some youth in it,” Tavani said.

Kyle Sakowski out of Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey headlines the defensive back recruits. “Sakowski was part of a secondary on arguably the best program in the country and he ran their group,” Tavani said. “He was a tough recruit, every Patriot League team was involved and he had a full [scholarship] offer from The Citadel.

Another notable signing included that of Matt Smalley, who was given a Marquis Scholarship, the highest academic scholarship that Lafayette has to offer. He is the team’s first Marquis Scholar since Brad Maurer ‘07.

The action was going on throughout the hectic Wednesday as the Lafayette athletic department organized the third annual Signing Day Central. Live updates as well as a live chat with Tavani were available for Leopard fans. Lafayette is the only Patriot League school to provide such extensive coverage.

This class, although very successful on the field, was also highly touted for their academic standing. As explained by Greg McDonald, the director of admissions, they are students first. “Coach Tavani and I have a nice working relationship built on respect for each others responsibilities,” McDonald said. “Our goal is to deliver a product that we’re all very proud of.”

With the return of only 13 seniors, the Class of 2016 might see playing time right away. The coaching staff certainly believes that they will provide immediate contributions. Up next for the Lafayette football team will be the annual Maroon and White Scrimmage on April 21st at Fisher Field.