Shut-down corner leads much improved Panther defense

By: Jorge Corrales/Staff Writer

In their three wins of 2014, the Panthers have relied heavily on defense, much credit owed to Richard Leonard.

It wasn’t long after Leonard started playing football at Miami Killian Senior High that he became a highly touted recruit committed to FIU since Sept. 2009. He competed in the annual Miami-Dade vs. Broward all-star game and was rated a 3-star cornerback by recruiting website Rivals.com.

From there, Leonard received offers from the University of South Florida, Western Michigan University, and was watched by UF and the University of Georgia, but ultimately decided to stay local.

“It’s closer to home,” said Leonard when asked why he chose to become a Panther. “I just really wanted to play in front of my family and build this program.”

Leonard entered the program in 2011 and made an immediate impact. He appeared in all 13 games as a freshman and recorded three interceptions– one of those coming in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl against Marshall University.

“It was a good feeling to be able to get out there right away,” said Leonard. “I had the trust of the coaches and stuff. It was good to start the first game and just get the feeling of it. It’s paying off right now.”

Leonard continued to shine in 2012– his sophomore year. He started six games at cornerback and appeared in all 12 while recording 55 tackles. Leonard posted a 29.15-yard kickoff return average, good enough for second in school history. He also set an Panther record with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Florida Atlantic University.

“I was waiting all season to break something,” said Leonard. “It finally happened at a key point of the game so it felt real good.”

2013 was supposed to be a breakout year for Leonard. Coming off two impressive seasons, he was set to be a regular starter and big contributor. He entered the year with 33 kick returns for 902 yards– both marks good enough for fourth in school history. However, off-field academic issues kept Leonard on the sidelines and out of the record books.

“It really humbled me,” said Leonard when asked about sitting out a year. “It made me appreciate football. Just take care of business first. If you don’t take care of business, then you can’t play and do something that you love. It got me on the right path and I’m feeling good now.”

Leonard came back in 2014, hungry to pick up where he left off. Through six games, Leonard is ranked second in the nation with four interceptions. He’s returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns and he’s also taken a fumble back for a score.

Leonard was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week in two consecutive weeks for his efforts against UAB and FAU.  He’s also contributing on special teams, netting 199-yards on only six kickoff returns. Although Leonard excels in the return game, it’s not his favorite part of being on the field.

“I like playing corner because I get to lock down my receiver and shut him down,” said Leonard.

Leonard anchors a defense that leads all of college football with 21 takeaways. This year’s Panther defense is allowing an average 20.9 points per game; far better than last year’s defense, which gave up an average 37 points per game.

“We’re playing with major confidence. Just having fun out there and trusting one another.”

 

Photo by Krono Lescano/ the Beacon