Athletes spend years, some their whole lives, perfecting their craft at a position. There are certain cases, however, where an athlete is expected and able to compete and perfect two positions in one sport. Richard Leonard is one of those cases.
Leonard, a junior cornerback from Miami Killian Sr. High School, is considered a dual threat to both the Panthers’ offense during practice, and opponents during games. Not only does Leonard spend his time harassing receivers and taking on any running back that may get past the line of scrimmage as a cornerback, he also showcases his ability returning punts and kicks as a returner on special teams.
“It’s a plus for our special teams,” Jason Brooks said, defensive secondary coach for the Panthers. “Having him back there as a return guy with his speed and athleticism, I think it’s fantastic.”
In 12 games last season, Leonard averaged 70.2 all-purpose yards a game. He racked up 758 out of his total 843 yards on kick returns. Leonard’s 29.2 average on kick returns placed him second in the Sun Belt Conference, just a yard short of Reggie Whatley of Middle Tennessee State University.
Though the Panthers are under new management with new Head Coach Ron Turner and staff, as well as heading into a new conference, Leonard does not let that stop him from reaching one of the many milestones set for himself.
“I’m just trying to be the best in the league,” Leonard said. “Just working on ball security and things like that. Things that I struggled with last year.”
Leonard prides himself in not only his dual ability, but also his role as a coach and mentor for the rest of the defense. Leonard understands the success of the team will not come from just one person, and can be seen in practice correcting and helping his teammates on becoming better players.
Aside from learning a new system and gaining more experience during practice, Brooks has gone back to the roots to where many players, including Leonard, began their careers. Brooks strove to correct technique and concentration to the players and has the luxury of having an experienced player, such as Leonard, with improving the defense every day.
“The one thing we told these guys from day one is that fundamentals and technique will never change,” Brooks said. “Football is football. Schemes are schemes. The most important thing is the fundamentals and technique part of it.”
“He’s a very very talented individual,” Brooks said. “I think he helps our secondary tremendously. He sets an example to younger guys as far as becoming a good football player.”
Along with the talent Leonard displays on the football field, 170-pound corner also get it done off the field, especially in academics.
“Even outside of football he’s been great for guys,” Brooks said. “As far as going to class, doing the right thing. Studying, not only for school, but in football as well. He’s just been a leader for this defense.”
Being a dual threat has always come to Leonard. Prior to joining FIU, Leonard covered both sides of the football at Killian. Leonard was considered an all-around athlete as he not only played cornerback, but as well as quarterback, running back and receiver on offense.
Posting a 4.39 time in the forty-yard sprint, Leonard has always showcased his talent on kickoff and punt returns. Transitioning to college, many coaches try to limit the workload a player will take on the field. That doesn’t seem to bother Brooks one bit, as he fully trusts and respects Leonard to protect himself as he takes on a team on kickoff returns.
“I’m comfortable with it, as long as he keeps making smart decisions,” Brooks said. “When you have eight guys barreling down on you, we don’t want you returning. We want you to fair catch. Here in practice he’s made some great decisions back there.”
Standing at 5 feet 10 inches tall, Leonard does not come off as the biggest or tallest guy on the field. That does not stop him though, to Leonard, it only comes as an advantage to him and the team, and havoc for opposing teams trying to stop him.
“What makes me different is that I’m really quick,” Leonard said. “Since I’m short, I use my quickness and speed to make up for my size.”
