'So much joy, tears': SC State's Darius Leonard drafted by NFL's Colts
South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard was with his family at his draft party in Myrtle Beach on Friday night when he received the phone call that changed his life.
Leonard was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, the fourth pick in the second round.
Leonard did not receive much FBS interest coming out of high school and did not get to play at his dream school, Clemson, where his half-brother Anthony Waters starred. Instead, he had an incredible career with the Bulldogs before being selected near the start of the draft's second day.
“It was indescribable, so much joy, tears. It was crazy. It was a dream come true. I've worked so hard for it now for 22 years, just ready for it,” Leonard told The State. “I’m just ready to play, just ready to get this opportunity and show everybody what I’m made of.”
Leonard played at Lake View High School and accounted for 114 tackles and 8.5 sacks last season for the Bulldogs. He also forced a fumble and had two interceptions.
Indianapolis finished 4-12 in 2017 as the Colts were without starting quarterback Andrew Luck.
Leonard will try to help a Colts defense that finished 30th out of 32 teams last season in total defense, allowing 367 yards per game. The Colts did not tell him much as far as how they plan to use him.
“The only thing they said was they were moving to a 4-3 defense and I’ll be playing one of the linebacker spots. That was about it,” he recalled, before adding that he did not talk with the Colts much leading up to the draft. “I’ve probably had one or two phone calls with them, but not a lot.”
Leonard is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow S.C. State star Javon Hargrave, who was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Hargrave, a nose tackle, started 25 games in his first two years in the NFL.
He made it easier on Leonard early in his career by controlling the line of scrimmage, but Hargrave’s departure made Leonard realize that he could play at the next level as well.
“When Hargrave left my sophomore year, I thought I was having success because of him. But when he left, I was still having that same success and that’s when I realized I had a shot at the NFL,” Leonard said.
He is now ready to contribute to the Colts and explained what he will bring to the linebacker group.
“Speed from the linebacker position, being able to cover and be able to play all three linebacker positions,” he said. “I’m a good athlete, but better yet, a great young man who is willing to do anything for the Indianapolis Colts.”
Leonard was a two-time MEAC Defensive Player of Year and FCS All-American at S.C. State. Many projected him as an early third-day selection, but CBS’ Jason LaCanfora had him as 48th-best player in the draft.
"Scouts praised his speed and his sideline-to-sideline skills," The Charlotte Observer wrote of Leonard.
His NFL.com bio: "As the half-brother of former Clemson linebacker Anthony Waters, Leonard expected to one day suit up for the Tigers. Clemson only offered him a preferred walk-on invitation, however, so he decided to take the ride at SCSU. Leonard has played like an FBS recruit for the Bulldogs, playing the run inside, coming off the edge as a pass rusher, and making plays in coverage. He garnered MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2016 with 124 tackles, 14.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and four forced fumbles. He posted 70 stops the previous year, 13.5 for loss, five sacks, and two interceptions to earn a first-team all-conference selection. Leonard led SCSU in tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2014, compiling 86, 14 for loss, five sacks, and two forced fumbles."
His NFL.com analysis: "Long and twitchy with athletic ability and straight-line speed that should light up the combine. Leonard has packed on the pounds since hitting campus, but it hasn't compromised his play speed as he has posted dominant production throughout. He lacks play strength and there are times you want to see more nasty in his field demeanor, but he has the traits and talent to become a good, three-down linebacker who can play 3-4 inside backer or 4-3 WILL."
This story was originally published April 27, 2018 at 7:35 PM with the headline "'So much joy, tears': SC State's Darius Leonard drafted by NFL's Colts."