Homegrown Illinois linebacker still looking for his breakout
Leonard is an in-state Illinois recruit who brings a big, versatile frame and a developmental upside profile, but his current production is still limited: Illinois listed him as having played in just one game in 2024, making his debut against Eastern Illinois on Aug. 29, 2024. He entered Illinois after being viewed as a multi-position athlete in recruiting circles, with size that can translate to either side of the ball. The key reason to care is projection—he’s the kind of player whose fit depends on whether a team wants raw tools, special-teams value, and long-term upside rather than proven on-field production right now.
