Versatile athlete A.C. Leonard plans to play for Gators, remain at tight end

Versatile Leonard committed to play at Florida

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A.C. Leonard played just about every position last year. He lined up at receiver, tight end, running back, linebacker and defensive end for Ribault High School in Jacksonville.

His role this season is much more defined: Prized recruit trying to get his test scores in order.

Leonard, who has verbally committed to play for Florida in 2011, has transferred twice since the end of his junior season. He moved to Interlachen earlier this year, then settled on University Christian for his senior season.

“Academically, he’s on the right track,” University Christian coach Heath Nivens said. “He’s just got to get his test scores up. We’re going to help him with do that and make sure he’s in position to qualify.”

The 6-foot-2, 235-pounder will primarily play tight end for the Christians, but will also see time at linebacker and defensive end.

Alcorus “A.C.” Leonard — on The Associated Press South Region 25 list of top recruits — was dominant on both sides of the ball in 2009. He caught three touchdown passes and ran for three scores at Ribault. He also had 60 tackles, 21 sacks, five deflections, three forced fumbles and two blocked punts.

He worked mainly at tight end during camps around the country this year and hopes to stay there at the college level.

“I think I’m going to play tight end,” Leonard said. “I just love catching balls, scoring touchdowns and making plays.”

Leonard has scholarship offers from Florida, Miami, Florida International and Central Florida. He also has interest in Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina. He briefly de-committed from the Gators following coach Urban Meyer’s stunning resignation last December. But once Meyer reversed his decision, so did Leonard.

Now, he’s facing a busy fall that includes football, college visits and working on his test scores. Although he’s planning to look at other schools, he insists nearby Gainesville in the place for him.

“I’m going on my visits just to have that experience,” he said. “But I’m committed to Florida.”