Lafayette Leopards WR Joe Gillette leads team in receptions
EASTON, Penn. — After dropping the first three games of the 2021 season, the Lafayette Leopards won two of the last four games. At 1-1 in the conference, the Leopards are in the mix for the league title, but three of the last four games are on the road. One key player for the Leopards moving forward is junior wide receiver Joe Gillette, who is leading the team in receptions.
The 6-foot 185-pound Gillette out of Strongsville, Ohio, is a math and economic major. In addition to being a standout wide receiver, kick returner and defensive back, Gillette was a track start in high school. In 2019, Gillette played in the first seven games of the season before foot surgery ended his season. For the season, Gillette hauled in 21 passes for 314 yards and a touchdown. An all-around threat, Gillette averaged 25.5 yards on two carries with a 44-yard touchdown run against Sacred Heart. He posted a career-best seven catches for 105 yards against Albany, earning him Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week. Getting it done in the classroom, Gillette made the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll with a GPA of 3.58.
With the 2020 season canceled due to COVID-19, Patriot League football didn鈥檛 resume until the short spring 2021 season. Gillette played in two of the three games. Against Colgate, he caught two passes for 28 yards and caught three passes for 61 yards against Bucknell. In addition to playing receiver, Gillette was the Leopards鈥� primary punt returner.
Looking to take his game to the next level, Gillette has combined with Julius Young for one of the top receiver duos in the Patriot League. Gillette scored on a 29-yard scamper in the second quarter and 70- yard pass reception in the third quarter in Lafayette鈥檚 24-14 win over Penn. Gillette鈥檚 effort earned him Patriot League Honorable Mention for the week. For the season, Gillette has hauled in 31 passes for 388 yards and has added 120 yards on the ground on 12 carries.
The good news for Lafayette is that Gillette has one more year of eligibility. He has the potential to be an All-Patriot League performer that could carry the Leopards to a league title.
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