April 30, 2009

From Colgate Athletic Communications

Hamilton, N.Y. - Colgate senior offensive tackle Nick Hennessey has signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League, while senior offensive tackle Steve Jonas has signed with the Detroit Lions.

Hennessey was the first Patriot League player since 2004 to earn consensus All-America honors. During this past season, Hennessey was named to the four major All-America teams: Walter Camp, Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association and The Sports Network. He was also named to the College Sporting News Fabulous Fifty All-Star and ECAC All-Star teams, and played in the third annual Texas vs. the Nation Collegiate All-Star Bowl. He started 34 straight games for the Raiders.

Jonas was First-Team all-Patriot League last fall while starting all 12 games at left tackle. In 2005, he became the first freshman offensive lineman to start for the Raiders under head coach Dick Biddle. He played in 46 games with 45 starting assignments in his collegiate career.

Hennessey and Jonas led an offensive unit that finished fifth in rushing offense with 267.67 yards per game and 12th in total offense with 416.5 yards per game.