Former Notre Dame defensive back Lee Lafayette has joined Illinois States football program. He observed Tuesdays practice and will be suited up for Wednesdays workout.
Lafayette, who has one season of eligibility remaining, saw action in a total of 28 games from 1997-99. He finished his Irish career with 31 tackles, including 21 that were unassisted. Last season, he had 13 tackles, one pass interception and three passes broken up.
Lee is a fine athlete, said ISU head coach Denver Johnson. We are anxious to see how he will contribute to our program and confident that he will in several ways.
Lafayette redshirted his freshman season due to a knee injury suffered in preseason drills.
The 5-9, 200-pounder originally hails from Kankakee, Ill., where he played at Bishop McNamara High School. Thats the same high school that produced current Redbird receiver Jon Laurenti.
As a high school senior, Lafayette was an outstanding running back, who carried 270 times for 1,819 yards and 28 touchdowns enroute to setting three school records.. He also played defensive back.
Johnson said he hoped Lafayette could be in a position to see action in the Northern Illinois game, but did not rule out an appearance in Wednesdays opener against West Virginia Tech.
Lafayette will wear jersey No. 11.
