A.C. Leonard facts for kids
Leonard with the Edmonton Elks in 2023
|
|||||||
| Position: | Defensive lineman Tight end |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | January 15, 1992 Palatka, Florida, U.S. |
||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 250 lb (113 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Jacksonville (FL) University Christian | ||||||
| College: | Tennessee State | ||||||
| Undrafted: | 2014 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
|
|||||||
| CFL status: | American | ||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Career CFL statistics | |||||||
|
|||||||
| Player stats at CFL.ca | |||||||
AC Leonard, born on January 15, 1992, is an American professional gridiron football player. He is known for playing as a defensive lineman. Earlier in his career, he also played as a tight end. Leonard played college football at Tennessee State University. He studied criminal justice during his time there. Throughout his career, he has been part of teams in the NFL, AFL, FXFL, and the CFL.
Early Life and College Football
AC Leonard played high school football at a few different schools. He started at Jean Ribault High School, then went to Interlachen High School. Finally, he played at University Christian School in 2010. In high school, he mainly played as a tight end. He also spent some time as a linebacker and defensive end.
Playing for the Florida Gators
In 2011, Leonard played college football for the Florida Gators. During his first year, he caught eight passes for 99 yards in nine games. A knee injury caused him to miss three games that season.
Time at Tennessee State
After his freshman year, Leonard decided to transfer to Tennessee State University. He played for the Tigers for two years. While with the Tigers, he caught 85 passes. These catches resulted in 1,174 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Professional Football Career
AC Leonard became eligible for the 2014 NFL draft. He showed his speed by running the fastest 40-yard dash among tight ends at the NFL scouting combine.
Starting with the Minnesota Vikings
Even though he wasn't drafted, the Minnesota Vikings signed Leonard as an undrafted free agent. He joined their training camp but was released by the team on August 6, 2014.
Playing in Other Leagues
Later in 2014, Leonard played for the Brooklyn Bolts. This team was part of the new Fall Experimental Football League. He then joined the New Orleans VooDoo in the Arena Football League in December 2014.
Joining the BC Lions
In April 2015, Leonard signed with the BC Lions of the CFL. He made his first CFL appearance on July 17, 2015. In that game, he caught four passes for 26 yards and scored two touchdowns.
More Time in Other Leagues
After his time with the BC Lions, Leonard played for the Hudson Valley Fort in the FXFL in 2015. He was then assigned to the Jacksonville Sharks in the Arena Football League on October 16, 2015.
Playing for the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Leonard signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL in May 2016. He played two seasons with the Roughriders. During this time, he was an important part of the team's defense. He made 66 tackles and had 10 quarterback sacks. After the 2017 season, his contract ended, and he became a free agent.
Time with the Ottawa Redblacks
On February 13, 2018, Leonard signed a one-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks. He played in 17 games for the Redblacks. He contributed with 49 tackles and six quarterback sacks. After this season, he became a free agent again.
Returning to the Saskatchewan Roughriders
Leonard signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders for a second time on February 14, 2019. He played three more seasons for the Roughriders. In 41 regular season games, he made 118 defensive tackles. He also had 23 sacks, forced five fumbles, and made one interception. The Roughriders released him on January 31, 2023.
Playing for the Edmonton Elks
On the same day he left the Roughriders, Leonard signed with the Edmonton Elks of the CFL. This move brought him back with coach Chris Jones. Coach Jones had helped him switch to playing defensive lineman in 2016. In 2023, Leonard played in all 18 regular season games. He recorded 45 defensive tackles, 12 sacks, and forced two fumbles. His contract with the Elks ended on February 13, 2024.
