On January 13, Leonard participated in the Hula Bowl, an all-star game for his senior year of college football, held in Orlando, Florida. In that game, he made a touchdown catch, his last scoring reception as an amateur.
Leonard, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound Milton High School graduate, is hoping to have a similar playing opportunity at the next level after having a strong senior season and finishing his time at Tech. .
“This is a big change in my life and a big step in my journey,” Leonard said. “I'm just looking forward to it. It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and it's becoming a reality, so I'm really happy.”
Leonard and his fellow Yellow Jackets, along with scouts from 26 NFL teams and two Canadian Football League teams, arrived at the program's indoor facility at 1:30 p.m. Former Tech linebackers Charlie Thomas, now with the Cleveland Browns, and Keion White, now with the New England Patriots, also attended, along with Tech's current coaching staff and several current players and recruits. did.
Eight NFL prospects performed the long jump, 40-yard dash and shuttle run. Sophomore quarterback Zach Pyron then threw passes to Leonard, Blaylock, Smith and Benson.
“I think most people are probably just worried about the state of my injury. I'm coming out of here with all the cuts in my knee and leg. I've shown good progress through the whole situation. I hope so,” said Blaylock, who played one season at Tech after four seasons at Georgia. “After my second ACL (injury), (my performance at pro day) was very doubtful. But I got through it and got my feelings back.
“A lot of people helped me along the way. It was a good process and I'm glad I chose Pro Day and gave it a shot.”
Sims, King, and Oliver then trained specifically on defense. Benson, Leonard and Scaglione were then tested for offensive line work.
King said he works out in Marietta with Thomas, White and former Tech linebacker Ayinde Ealy, who now plays for the Carolina Panthers. Sims said he understands his pro day workout is the next step in raising his level.
“This is a new level. This is not a university,” he said. “I definitely had to go back to the drawing board and revise some of my goals, set new goals and take those goals and multiply them by 10. To go and make sure I'm following the fire of those coming after me. I know it's a new beginning, but I'm a very sponge-like person when it comes to information. , I'm very accepting of everything that comes my way. I just want to be humble and grow.”
