CALGARY – Former University of Calgary Dinos standout football player
Deane Leonard has been selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Leonard is the first ever Dino to hear his name called in the NFL Draft, being selected in the seventh round with the 236th overall pick.
The Calgary native becomes just the 13th U SPORTS player ever to be drafted into the NFL, and the first since 2016.
"We're all very excited for Deane to get the opportunity to play in the NFL," Dinos head coach
Wayne Harris said. "He is an outstanding man and outstanding player, and we couldn't be happier for him today. He comes from a great family, and we're so happy for them, as well.
"Deane was actually just here on campus this week. It was great to see him. He came by during practice, so a lot of the guys got to see him again.
"We hope everything goes well for him in his quest to make the NFL."
Leonard – who finished his collegiate career in the NCAA with Ole Miss – played three seasons at defensive back for the Dinos. In 23 games in the Scarlett and Gold, Leonard racked up 47 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, six interceptions and three touchdowns. He also helped the Dinos to their fifth Vanier Cup Championship in 2019.
The two-time All-Canadian was also a standout off the field, earning Academic All-Canadian honours, before being named to the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll this past season, as well as twice being named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll list at Ole Miss.
On the field at Mississippi, Leonard played in 19 games with the Rebels, finishing with 64 total tackles, one tackle for loss and 11 passes defensed.
