TSU’s Leonard Looking Like A Lock For NFL Draft

A.C. Leonard won’t know where his NFL future will take him for a few more days, but he does know what he wants to accomplish. The Tennessee State tight end told Fox Sports, his goal is to ultimately make the Pro Football of Fame.

“I always feel like I’m the underdog,” Leonard told FoxSports.com. “People are sleeping on me. I know I still have a lot to prove and I haven’t done anything yet. I won’t be satisfied until I’m a Hall of Famer.”

The 6’2, 250 pound Jacksonville native came to TSU after spending his freshman season at Florida. When legal issues forced him to leave the Sunshine State, he was welcomed to TSU by coach Rod Reed.

“He was a great citizen while he was here and did everything that we asked him to do,” Reed told FoxSports.com

Leonard left TSU after two solid seasons, catching 85 passes for 11 touchdowns as a member of the Tigers. After flying under the radar in the FCS, Leonard re-emerged on the national scale at the NFL Combine when he ran a 4.5 40 Yard Dash.

Name to remember for the #2014NFLDraft AC Leonard… Kids a freak who basically got caught between 2 coach eras at #UF @JetsInsider @nyjets
— Spencer Shube (@shube128) May 1, 2014

//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Heading into the draft, it’s a pretty safe assumption that Leonard will hear his name at some point. The question is when? Though he has mid-round talent (3rd or 4th), some scouts still seem to think his past will hold him back.

The University of Florida-transfer wowed during Combine workouts, registering a 4.50-second time in the 40-yard dash and a 10’8″ broad jump. He snatches the ball out of the air and his compact 6-foot-2, 252-pound frame makes him a bullish threat after the catch. Leonard’s off-field issues could push him deep into the draft but for a team willing to roll the dice, he could prove a steal. – Rob Rang, NFLDraftScout.com

By this time next week, Leonard will be on a plane headed to his new home, ready to prove that his future is all that matters.