Even before his impressive career in high school football, Leonard was no stranger to success on the field. In three seasons as quarterback for Illinois College, he established career records for completions, passing yards and touchdown passes, and was instrumental in the team’s last-minute 2001 upset of previously unbeaten St. Norbert College. The Springfield native was a two-time recipient of the William J. Downer Award and was chosen to the American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team in 2000.

During his last year at IC, Leonard was able to join the Illinois College coaching staff and gain experience on the sidelines alongside experienced coaches.

“I learned so much from my coaches and teammates at IC, not just things that have helped me in coaching, but in life,” said Leonard. “I was lucky to have the experiences I had at IC and they have helped me throughout my career.” Leonard was recently honored with a national nomination by the Chicago Bears for the 2017 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Award.