APPLETON, Wis. -- Yon Boone has been named the defensive coordinator for the Lawrence University football team, head coach Rob McCarthy announced.

"Coach Boone brings a great deal of passion and energy to the football program," McCarthy said. "His experience makes him an asset in so many ways both on and off the field. He is a relentless recruiter, and he really cares for his players. He will be instrumental in our building of a strong defense here at Lawrence and in our local and national recruiting efforts."

Boone comes to Lawrence from Saint Anselm College, where he coached for the past three years. Boone was the linebackers coach, special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Saint Anslem. Boone was part of the staff that led Saint Anselm to a 6-5 record in 2014. That was the first winning season for Saint Anselm in 14 years and tied the school record for victories in a season.

"Myself and my family are excited for the opportunity that Rob McCarthy has provided us to be part of the Lawrence family," Boone said.

"My plan is to rebuild the defense so that it is simple to execute, with a priority of creating a physical presence on the field. I'm looking forward to hitting the ground running in recruiting efforts, both nationally and most importantly here in our home state of Wisconsin."

Boone was at Eastern Kentucky University in 2010 and 2011, where he served as a graduate assistant. Boone was the safeties coach in 2011 after coaching the outside linebackers in 2010. Boone earned a master's degree in sport administration from Eastern Kentucky in 2011.

Boone also spent two years at Wofford College as a defensive assistant. He worked with the safeties, helped with recruiting and served as video coordinator and equipment manager.

Boone broke into coaching when he interned at Hamline University, assisting with both video and recruiting. Boone earned a bachelor's degree in social studies education from Hamline in 2008.

Boone and his wife, Brittany, are both natives of Naples, Fla.