High Hopes for Richard Leonard

Peter Holland Jr./ Contributing Writer

After having a phenomenal season last year, It has been announced that starting cornerback Richard Leonard is on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch list for best defensive back. He is also ranked number 42 of the nation’s best defensive backs and is now projected to be C-USA Defensive player of the year.

The Senior, playing his final season at FIU, was selected first team All-Conference USA as a DB and punt return specialist. Leonard was a two-time C-USA defensive player of the Week. He finished the season with a school record of five interceptions (two that resulted for touchdowns). That ranked him number 2 in C-USA and number 18 in  the nation. He also led the nation  in fumble recoveries (4), including the 100 yard fumble recovery for touchdown against their rival FAU, making him the first NCAA player to do that since 1999. As a return specialist, he recorded 616 yards with only 24 attempts at kick return, and 309 yards in 13 attempts at punt return setting a school record. He averaged 25.7 yards-per-kick return and 23.8 yard- per-punt return. Last season against Bethune Cookman,  Leonard broke the FIU single game record  with 148 punt return yardage; third most in C-USA history.

Its huge to have the starting corner return to the defense that was ranked in the top 35. He provides leadership and would do whatever it takes to finish strong in his final eligibility. No doubt in my mind he will be in a NFL uniform because of his versatility whether its cornerback, nickleback, or a return specialist.

Panther fans are extremely excited for this coming season now that Leonard is back for one more year. My question is whether he’s going to get a “pick 6” first, or punt return for a TD? Maybe recover  the football for a100 yard touchdown, but this time at FAU Stadium. First two games are away at UCF and Indiana, and the Panthers is looking to have their first winning season under Head Coach Ron Turner.