JS: How was the visit today overall for you?
LJ: The visit was great, it exceeded my expectations, the recruiting staff showed so much hospitality and made it feel like family from the start. Everyone was so kind and the coaches even after a big game made time to speak to all the recruits as well as Luke Fickell, I had gotten a picture with him as well as some of my guys from back in Indy as well. We all talked about how impressive the campus, game and team was. My parents also had a great time at Nippert Stadium we could all see myself playing there being less than two hours from home!
JS: What was your overall favorite part of the visit today, how was it to see a full student section loud and proud for a Top 5 program?
LJ: The student section was amazing, everyone was standing up cheering. My favorite part was definitely on the sidelines watching the team warm up and the entrance of the team combined with the band and all the other performers made it really special.
JS: You talked about your relationship with the coaches who all did you get to talk to outside of Luke Fickell?
LJ: I met coach (Brian) Mason (special teams) for the first time after communicating on the phone and it was great! Coach (Pat) Lambert (recruiting) as well!
JS: Now on to you tell me about yourself what kind of player are you on the field and in the locker room?
LJ: As a player, I’m one of the six team captains on my team. One of the two junior captains. I describe my game as physical, smart using good technique, being physical 100 percent of the time to get my job done. As a leader I’m more of a non verbal leader, just doing the right thing, making a good example of myself on and off the field for my teammates and future teammates. In the locker room, I’m just chilled out not to talkative, but not silent either to release some of the butterflies before big games!
JS: You said you are a captain what does that mean for you to be selected as a captain?
LJ: It means a lot out of 106 guys, just being a great role model and example for my teammates and just being a good non selfish teammate as well.
JS: Why did you decide to play football? What about football jumped out to you?
LJ: My dad got me into football and my love for it only grew from there. I love it because it’s a team sport and nothing is better than going to war with your brothers on Friday nights!
JS: What are some goals you have for the upcoming season and then goals for the future?
LJ: My goal for my team is to obviously win state, for me just improve every game and then get All-Conference or maybe even All-State as a junior. But mainly just getting better each day to help me for the future.
The Front Office News wants to thank Leighton for the time and wish him the best of luck this upcoming season and in the future!
