NEW YORK, N.Y. – Brian Leonard (Gouverneur, N.Y.) was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft Saturday. Leonard becomes
the third RU player to be drafted by the Rams organization.
"The St. Louis Rams are very fortunate to have a young man of Brian Leonard's
caliber," said Rutgers football head coach Greg Schiano. "I think
he is going to be an absolutely fabulous pro and maybe even a better player
in the NFL than he was in college. I look forward to watching him on Sundays."
Leonard finished his remarkable career "On the Banks" as Rutgers'
all-time leader in receptions (207), touchdowns (45) and points by a non-kicker
(272). He established a BIG EAST record with at least one reception in all 47
games of his career.
He finished first in RU history with 678 rushing attempts and fifth in the
school's annals with 2,775 rushing yards. His 1,868 receiving yards stand seventh
in the all-time record books at Rutgers.
Also an outstanding student, Leonard became the 17th recipient of the Draddy
Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, at The National Football Foundation &
College Hall of Fame's 49th Annual Awards Dinner in New York City.
Known in many circles as the "Academic" Heisman, the Draddy Trophy
continues to be one of college football's most sought after and competitive
awards, recognizing an individual as the absolute best in the country for his
combined academic success, football performance and exemplary community leadership.
Leonard was a three-time First-Team All-America selection by Pro Football Weekly.
In addition, he earned All-BIG EAST honors (First or Second Team) three times
in his career.