Lion H-Back ... A.C. Leonard
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2015 5:30 pm
http://www.theprovince.com/sports/footb ... story.html
Ullrich: Massive tight end hopeful for the Lions has sights set high
A.C. Leonard could give defences something to think about as he aims for a hall of fame berth QB John Beckhas hepatitisCamp calendar
BY LOWELL ULLRICH, THE PROVINCE JUNE 4, 2015
Ullrich: Massive tight end hopeful for the Lions has sights set high
Promising tight end A.C. Leonard has yet to play his first professional football game. Ric Ernst/PNG files
KAMLOOPS — It came off as nothing more than a mindless boast during adolescence, but there was a eye-opening quality nonetheless when Alcorus Devonte (A.C.) Leonard once said he wouldn’t be satisfied until he was in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Informed that there is also a Canadian Football Hall of Fame, the behemoth tight end with the B.C. Lions gave the appearance of someone who had just adjusted his sights. To get there, the first thing he has to do is play his first regular-season game in pro football.
It’s way too early for any kind of proclamation, but if there were an early ballot to be cast for promising import training camp newcomer on offence, one vote would go to the 23-year-old Floridian.
Leonard will be given every chance to take a roster spot simply by the fact a new position has been created in the offence of coach Jeff Tedford and offensive co-ordinator George Cortez.
Leonard had a support role in one practice Thursday, but before that point had been running almost exclusively all week with the starters.
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Fellow import Cam Morrah was first up during the offensive mini-camp in April, and this week the Lions also brought in Reggie Jordan, which might suggest that Leonard might consider not unpacking yet.
He might not even be the best import receiver so far. That vote might be cast in favour Bryan Burnham, who is catching everything in sight during the early stages of his second Lions camp.
But at 6-feet-2 and a muscular 253 pounds, with 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash, Leonard fits the criteria set out by the Lions to adjust their offence to include a bruising receiver who can punish smaller linebackers and defensive backs both as a blocker and as a receiver.
At the very least, the last Lions receiver who filled out the same uniform (82) was Jason Clermont. And at 227 pounds during his prime, Clermont would give up 26 pounds to Leonard.
Ask Leonard if the idea of taking on defenders who are lighter by 20 pounds or so is intriguing, and a grin emerges.
“When coach Tedford told me that they really don’t use tight ends, I thought I could be someone that changed the game,” said the soft-spoken Leonard. “I’d love making a trademark up here.”
He had similar thoughts upon being recruited by coach Urban Meyer in college at Florida, but decided to transfer to Tennessee State after receiving six months’ probation as a 20-year-old for misdemeanour battery.
A Gainesville, Fla., police report accused Leonard of attempting to drag a woman out of his house by her hair, which may not make the receiver the Lions’ first choice to participate in their community programs aimed at domestic violence.
But he is a father of two girls now with a fiancée at home, and is trying to turn a career page with a team that is also keen to write a new chapter after last season. Tedford recognized quickly upon taking the Lions job that a position for players like Leonard and Morrah could give his team an unmatched edge until opponents adjust.
Receivers coach Khari Jones, who didn’t have players with a similar skill set when he was the Lions’ offensive co-ordinator last year, said such players “give defences something to think about.”
“Defences are going to have to react to that H-back body type,” said Jones. “(Teams) used to play more fullback and receiver, but if you can have the same guy in one (body) you’re better off.”
So far, so good.
“I’m excited to see A.C. and Cam in live settings,” quarterback Travis Lulay said.
“Cam is a smart guy, a pro for years. A.C. has been a really quick learner. Sometimes you’ve got to harp on a guy for a few days before they understand. A.C. has shown to be a quick study. We’re intrigued.”
Intrigued enough for the Lions to let the receiver who hopes to be discovered in Hamilton, Ont., or Canton, Ohio one day play his first pro game.