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On Tuesday, the Canadian Football League held it’s 2021 Draft.
And it didn’t take long for an Ole Miss Rebel to hear his name called as senior defensive back Deane Leonard being taken 18th overall by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Leonard’s father, Kenton, played seven seasons with the Calgary Stampeders.
With the 18th pick in the 2021 #CFLDraft, the @Ticats select DB Deane Leonard pic.twitter.com/xsSBfXjdW7
— CFL (@CFL) May 5, 2021
The Calgary native played in eight games a year ago, taking some time to get acclimated to the Southeastern Conference. Leonard finished the 2020 season with 14 total tackles, four passes defended, and a fumble recovery in the Egg Bowl that was crucial in swinging the early momentum.
HYDR! Tylan Knight with the forced fumble on the goal line and Deane Leonard returns it for 83 yards! pic.twitter.com/ummStoDPXs
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) November 28, 2020
Leonard’s best game came against the South Carolina Gamecocks when he made a career-high five tackles in the roller coaster 59-42 win.
As it stands today, the 6-foot-2, 195-pounder will return to Oxford to play his final season in 2021. The Hamilton Tiger-Cats do own his rights though moving forward so, if things go chalk he will finish out the remainder of his eligibility at Ole Miss and will then report to training camp with Hamilton.
Cheers to our son for hearing his name called and having the opportunity to continue his football career professionally.