Anthony Leonard

Anthony Leonard (born May 3, 1986 in McKeesport, Pennsylvania) is an American football linebacker for the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Early Life
Anthony Leonard attended high school in Pittsburgh at McKeesport High. As a senior on the 14-2 championship team, Leonard was named conference defensive player of the year with 92 tackles, 14 sacks and four forced fumbles. Leonard also played basketball, where his AAU team finished #16 in the nation.
Leonard was being recruited by Eastern Michigan University, University of Cincinnati, University of Connecticut, University of Iowa, Ohio State, and Temple. However, Leonard signed his letter of intent with West Virginia University.
Collegiate Career
2006 season (Freshman)
Upon arriving at West Virginia, Leonard was redshirted by the coaching staff. However, he was awarded with the Danny Van Etten Award as the scout team player of the year on defense.
2007 season (Redshirt-freshman)
In 2007, Leonard saw the majority of his action come on special teams, but he did see time at strong-side linebacker. Leonard saw a season-high 5 tackles against Western Michigan and three tackles against Connecticut. He finished his debut season with 12 tackles.
2008 season (Redshirt-sophomore)
Leonard began his sophomore season of 2008 by playing the majority the season-opening game against Villanova at middle linebacker in place of the injured senior, Reed Williams. Leonard finished the game with 5 tackles. In the following loss to ECU, Leonard again had to take the place of Williams at middle linebacker, finishing the game with one tackle. In the overtime loss to Colorado, Williams returned to play his first game of the season, and Leonard finished the game with a tackle. Leonard again played backup in the Marshall victory, finishing with no tackles.
Reed Williams did not return following the Marshall game however, as he decided to take a medical redshirt. In the following game, against Rutgers, Leonard earned his first career start and finished the game at middle linebacker with a team-high 9 tackles and a tackle for a loss. Leonard then had 8 tackles and a sack in the victory over Syracuse, his second start of his career. In the 34-17 victory over Auburn, Leonard recorded a team-high and career-high 16 tackles and forced a fumble in only his third career start. In the following 35-13 win over Connecticut, Leonard had 3 tackles. In the 26-23 overtime loss to Cincinnati, Leonard recorded 6 tackles. However, Leonard missed the season finale and the Meineke Car Care Bowl victory with an injury.
Leonard finished his sophomore season with 59 tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery.

 
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