A.C. Leonard

Last updated

A.C. Leonard
2023, 06, A. C. Leonard.jpg
Leonard with the Elks in 2023
No. 3 – Edmonton Elks
Position: Defensive lineman
Tight end
Personal information
Born: (1992-01-15) January 15, 1992 (age 32)
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
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Active
CFL status:American
Career highlights and awards
  • CFL East All-Star – 2018
Career CFL statistics
Receptions:17
Receiving yards:187
Receiving TDs:2
Stats at CFL.ca

AC Leonard (born January 15, 1992) is an American professional gridiron football defensive lineman who is a member of the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played tight end for the BC Lions in 2015 before converting to a defensive lineman in 2016. He attended Tennessee State University, where he played college football for the Tigers and studied criminal justice. [1] Leonard has been member of NFL, AFL, FXFL and CFL.

Contents

Early career

Leonard played high school football at Jean Ribault before transferring to Interlachen and then to University Christian School in 2010. At University Christian, he played primarily as a tight end, but also as a linebacker and defensive end. [2] He played college football for the Florida Gators in 2011, and recorded eight receptions for 99 yards over nine games. A knee injury caused him to miss three games in his freshman season. [3] Leonard transferred to Tennessee State to play for the Tigers the following season, where he played for two years. He recorded 1,174 yards for 11 touchdowns on 85 receptions with the Tigers. [4] Also played at Palatka High School his Freshman year.

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
HeightWeightArm lengthHand span 40-yard dash 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 2+3⁄8 in
(1.89 m)		252 lb
(114 kg)		33 in
(0.84 m)		9+1⁄4 in
(0.23 m)		4.50 s4.45 s7.10 s34.0 in
(0.86 m)		10 ft 8 in
(3.25 m)		20 reps
All values from NFL Combine [5]

Minnesota Vikings

Leonard was eligible for the 2014 NFL draft, and ran the fastest 40-yard dash among tight ends at the NFL scouting combine that year. [6] He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings. [7] He participated in training camp, where he missed multiple practices due to an injury or illness initially described as a headache. He was later released on August 6, 2014. [7]

Fall Experimental League & Arena Football

Later that year, Leonard played for the Brooklyn Bolts of the Fall Experimental Football League in its inaugural season. [8] He was assigned to the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League on December 5, 2014. [9] He was placed on the Other League Exempt list on February 23, 2015. [10]

BC Lions

In April 2015, Leonard signed with the BC Lions. [1] Leonard made his CFL debut on July 17, 2015, against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he recorded four receptions for 26 yards and two touchdowns. [11] [12]

Fall Experimental League & Arena Football (II)

He spent some time with the Hudson Valley Fort (FXFL) in 2015. On October 16, 2015, Leonard was assigned to the Jacksonville Sharks.

Saskatchewan Roughriders

Leonard signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL in May 2016. [13] In two seasons with the Riders Leonard played in 33 games and played a significant role in the team's defense, totaling 66 tackles and 10 quarterback sacks. Following the 2017 season he was not re-signed and became a free agent on February 13, 2018. [14]

Ottawa Redblacks

On February 13, 2018, Leonard was signed to a one-year contract with the Ottawa Redblacks. [15] In one season with the Redblacks Leonard played in 17 games contributing 49 tackles and six quarterback sacks. He was not re-signed by the Redblacks following the season and became a free agent.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (II)

On February 14, 2019, Leonard signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Leonard was placed on the six-game injured list on August 8, 2019, with an unspecified injury during practice. [16] Leonard played three seasons for the Riders appearing in 41 regular season games and contributing with 118 defensive tackles, 23 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception. He was released by the Riders on January 31, 2023; one day before he was due to receive a $40,000 roster bonus on February 1. [17]

Edmonton Elks

On the same day he was released by the Roughriders, Leonard signed a contract with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). [18] The move reunited him with head coach and general manager Chris Jones who successfully converted him to a defensive lineman in 2016. He played in all 18 regular season games where he recorded 45 defensive tackles, 12 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He became a free agent upon the expiry of his contract on February 13, 2024. [19]

Domestic battery arrest

On February 15, 2012, Leonard was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after an alleged altercation with a woman he had been dating for 17 months. The woman told police that she had been shoved and dragged from an apartment by her hair. [3] As a result of the arrest, Leonard was suspended from the Florida Gators. [20] He pleaded no contest to the charge in April, and received a six-month probation. Although Leonard's suspension was lifted in late March, Gators head coach Will Muschamp stated that he would serve a suspension during the 2012 season. Leonard and Muschamp later decided it would be best if the player transferred. [21] Leonard transferred to Tennessee State prior to the start of the football season that year.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevor Harris</span> American gridiron football player (born 1986)

Trevor Harris is an American professional football quarterback for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2010. Harris has also played in the Arena Football League (AFL) and United Football League (UFL). He played college football at Edinboro University. As Edinboro's starting quarterback, he broke "every career passing record in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference" and was a two-time finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy, awarded each year to the individual selected as the most valuable player in NCAA Division II.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loucheiz Purifoy</span> American gridiron football player (born 1992)

Loucheiz Purifoy is an American professional football defensive back for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). Purifoy played college football for the University of Florida. He signed with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 NFL draft, and has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks, BC Lions, Ottawa Redblacks, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Duron Carter</span> American gridiron football player (born 1991)

Duron Christopher Carter is an American professional football defensive back who is a free agent. He was initially a member of the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) as a wide receiver and has also played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, and Edmonton Elks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathan Newsome</span> American gridiron football player (born 1991)

Jonathan Newsome is an American football defensive end who is a free agent. He played college football at Ohio State and Ball State, and was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Ottawa Redblacks and BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the Birmingham Stallions of the United States Football League (USFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Lemon</span> American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Shawn Lemon is an American professional football defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Akron. He has been a member of eight CFL teams, three indoor football teams and two NFL teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ed Gainey (Canadian football)</span> American gridiron football player (born 1990)

Edward Eugene Gainey is an American professional football defensive back who is a free agent. He played college football at Appalachian State University. He has been a member of the Montreal Alouettes, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League (CFL)

Caleb Holley is a Canadian football wide receiver for the Vegas Knight Hawks of the Indoor Football League (IFL). He has also been a member of the Buffalo Bills (NFL), Los Angeles Kiss (AFL), Sioux Falls Storm (IFL), Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL), Ottawa Redblacks (CFL), and Edmonton Elks (CFL). A native of Anchorage, Alaska, Holley played college football for the East Central Tigers in the Great American Conference (GAC).

Ryan Lankford is a former Canadian football wide receiver. He played college football for Illinois and signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He has been a member of the Indianapolis Colts, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Ottawa Redblacks, and BC Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jonathon Jennings</span> American gridiron football player (born 1992)

Jonathon Jennings is an American former professional football quarterback who played for the BC Lions and Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He attended Saginaw Valley State University, where he played college football. Jennings made his professional debut for the Lions in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kevin Francis (Canadian football)</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1993)

Kevin Francis is a Canadian professional football linebacker who is a free agent. He played as a tight end during his college football career with the North Carolina A&T Aggies. Francis has been a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Ottawa Redblacks, BC Lions, and Edmonton Elks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kienan LaFrance</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1991)

Kienan LaFrance is a Canadian professional football running back who is a free agent. He made his professional debut for the Ottawa Redblacks, where he won the 104th Grey Cup in 2016, and has also been a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Saskatchewan Roughriders, and BC Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antonio Pipkin</span> American gridiron football player (born 1995)

Antonio Pipkin is an American professional Canadian football quarterback who is a free agent. He most recently played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Tiffin. Pipkin has also been a member of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL), and the Montreal Alouettes, Edmonton Football Team, Toronto Argonauts, BC Lions, and Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keishawn Bierria</span> American gridiron football player (born 1995)

Keishawn Bierria is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Washington. Bierria was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL); the Edmonton Elks, the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL); and the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2019 Ottawa Redblacks season</span>

The 2019 Ottawa Redblacks season was the sixth season for the team in the Canadian Football League. This was the sixth season with Marcel Desjardins as general manager and Rick Campbell as head coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Arbuckle</span> American gridiron football player (born 1993)

Nicholas Arbuckle is an American professional football quarterback for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He has also been a member of the Calgary Stampeders, Ottawa Redblacks, and Edmonton Elks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damon Webb</span> American gridiron football player (born 1995)

Damon Webb is an American professional football defensive back for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Ohio State and was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2018.

Jamal Morrow is an American professional football running back for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Trevon Tate</span> American gridiron football player (born 1994)

Trevon Tate is an American professional football offensive tackle for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Auclair</span> Canadian gridiron football player (born 1996)

Adam Auclair is a Canadian professional football linebacker for the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

The 2024 CFL season is the 70th season of modern professional Canadian football. Officially, it is the 66th season of the Canadian Football League. Vancouver is scheduled to host the 111th Grey Cup on November 17, 2024. The regular season started on June 6, 2024 and ended on October 26, 2024. Playoff games are scheduled for November 2 and November 9, 2024.

References

  1. 1 2 "A.C. Leonard". BC Lions. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  2. ↑ Carlyon, Hays (April 25, 2010). "High School Notebook: Florida commitment A.C. Leonard transfers to University Christian". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  3. 1 2 George, Rachel (February 16, 2012). "Florida TE A.C. Leonard suspended following arrest for battery". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  4. ↑ Jones, Ross (May 2, 2014). "Tennessee State TE A.C. Leonard already has Hall of Fame hopes". Fox Sports. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  5. ↑ "A.C. Leonard Combine Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  6. ↑ Carlyon, Hays (March 1, 2014). "4.5-second burst may mean teams take longer look at A.C. Leonard". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  7. 1 2 Goessling, Ben (August 6, 2014). "Vikings waive AC Leonard". ESPN. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  8. ↑ Olson, Eric (October 16, 2014). "FXFL offers fringe players a chance to get to NFL". Daily Hampshire Gazette. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  9. ↑ "VooDoo Add Rookie Receiver". arenafootball.com. December 5, 2014. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Team Transactions". arenafan.com. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  11. ↑ Tucker, Cam (July 20, 2015). "Yoga has helped make a difference for B.C. Lions rookie receiver A.C. Leonard". Metro Vancouver. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  12. ↑ "BC Lions vs Saskatchewan Roughriders (17 July 2015)". CFL.ca. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  13. ↑ "A.C. LEONARD". riderville.com. Retrieved December 17, 2016.
  14. ↑ "Riders free agency: Dennis released, Evans signs, Moore re-signs". Regina Leader-Post. February 13, 2018. Retrieved February 15, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Redblacks sign A.C. Leonard". ottawaredblacks.com. February 13, 2018. Retrieved February 13, 2018.
  16. ↑ TSN ca Staff (August 8, 2019). "Saskatchewan Roughriders DL A.C. Leonard place on six-game injured list - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved August 8, 2019.
  17. ↑ 3Down Staff (January 31, 2023). "Saskatchewan Roughriders release DL A.C. Leonard". 3DownNation. Retrieved January 31, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  18. ↑ Hodge, John (January 31, 2023). "Former Riders' DL A.C. Leonard agrees to terms with Edmonton Elks". 3DownNation. Retrieved February 1, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Official 2024 Free Agent Tracker". Canadian Football League . Retrieved May 22, 2024.
  20. ↑ Carlyon, Hays (February 17, 2012). "Florida tight end A.C. Leonard suspended from team after battery charge". The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
  21. ↑ DiRocco, Mike (July 18, 2012). "A.C. Leonard leaving Florida program". ESPN. Retrieved July 25, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.