A.C. Leonard

Leonard was named a second-team All-American after leading the Tigers with 34 receptions and 441 yards for an average of 13 yards per catch in 2013. He also scored an invited to the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where his agility test scores were among the best in the tight end group across the board. The junior also added five touchdowns in 2013, placing him third on the squad. Tennessee State made the playoffs for the first time since 1999 in 2013 and won a playoff game for the first time since 1986. The Tigers were the first OVC team to win a road playoff game since 1986 and the first HBCU to win a postseason contest since 1999.

strengths

Fluid body control and athleticism with natural movements in his routes and as a ballcarrier. Good build-up acceleration to be a vertical threat and get behind the defense. Tough ballcarrier with good core strength and balance to shrug off tacklers. Speed to finish with the ball and be a dangerous YAC target. Good extension and catching radius to snag grabs away from his frame. Tracks well with the hand-eye coordination to watch the ball into his hands. Uses his frame well to shield defenders, staying focused in traffic. Experience lining up inline, in the slot and out wide with four career 100-yard receiving games, earning FCS All-American and All-OVC consideration the past two seasons.

weaknesses

Suspect functional strength and needs to be more assertive as a blocker, content getting in the way and catching the defender. Needs to improve his blocking technique and awareness in space and at the line of scrimmage. Struggles to sell routes and gives up on patters too quickly. Needs to play with more urgency and be more of a finisher. Sluggish off the line of scrimmage and often the last player to move off the snap. Tough after the catch, but not very creative with suspect ball security. Most of his productive came against lower level of competition in the FCS. Suspect work ethic and off-field dedication. Some durability issues after a torn meniscus in his left knee (Aug. 2011) and other minor injuries the past two years that caused him to miss time. Strong maturity and character concerns after he was arrested for misdemeanor battery (Feb. 2012) for domestic abuse of his live-in girlfriend (dismissed from the Florida program in July 2012).

A four-star prospect and No. 5 tight end nationally according to Rivals.com

Member of the ESPNU 150 class and Rivals100 class

Averaged 20 yards-per-catch as a tight end

On defense, he recorded 21 sacks and 60 tackles with 10 for a loss

Also had two blocked punts, one blocked extra point, five forced fumbles and one fumble recovery

Participated in the Under Armour High School All-American Game

Chose Florida over Alabama, Miami, Nebraska, UCF and FIU

Coached by Heath Nivens.