Class: 2008 Big Board
Pros: Pure instincts, intensity and hustle would be some of the best words that sum up J Leman. A three-year starter, he has a knack for the ball and knows how to read and react as well as any linebacker coming out in the upcoming draft. The Butkus Award candidate averaged double-digit tackles, posting his second consecutive season of over 100 stops. The Illinois native is an extremely hard hitter with a nose for the ball. Leman’s like another coach on the field, making all the calls, audibles and adjustments--clearly an extremely intelligent player who will endear himself to his coaches. His infectious attitude makes him a favorite among his teammates as well. Leman has displayed potential as a blitzer if a team chooses to let him loose.
Cons: Leman doesn’t possess the natural abilities and athleticism as some of the other top linebacker prospects, but makes up for it with his football smarts and overall intelligence. He’s not fast, which limits how much ground he can cover. He had surgery in January of '07 and missed spring practice but seems to be fully healed. Leman tends to throw his body around recklessly; he needs to do a better job of keeping himself under control and finishing off his tackles. He will look to deliver the hard knock rather than wrap up the runner. Has room to fill out but needs to be careful of losing mobility/quickness. As a cover man, Leman will struggle and is more than likely a two-down linebacker.
X-Factor: Leman may be a ‘tweener in terms of what system he best fits in--he may not be fast enough to man the middle of a 4-3 defense, while lacking the girth necessary to play inside in a 3-4. Then again, that’s what they said about Zach Thomas as well.
Overall: Having been a manufacturer of pro-caliber linebackers, Leman looks to be the next in line to hail from the University of Illinois. Standing in at 6'2, 240-pounds, he can lay the lumber and punishes those who dare to come across the middle. Leman reads plays well and knows how to close despite lacking ideal speed. At the very least, he will be a good team guy who can provide quality depth and contribute on special teams.
Mogollon’s View: Leman is Mr. Intangibles, possessing everything one would want in a linebacker in terms of smarts, leadership skills and toughness. You can be sure Leman will fulfill his potential. There are many things about Leman that are easy to like, but the question remains if the raw physical ability is there to start in the NFL. Ideally, Leman could add some more bulk and play in a 3-4 defense, minimizing his weaknesses.
Murphy’s View: The classic overachiever who has taken his game and his teammates' games to a new level. Leman plays with tenacity, sees the ball quickly and plays much faster than he times, although he struggles to get to his spot at times in pass coverage.
Factoid: Did you know Leman had just one Division I scholarship offer? He was a communications major who definitely has a career in broadcasting once his playing days are over. Leman eats raw eggs on game day and loves infomercials.
Medical Examiner:
• Had left ankle scoped after junior season, did not miss any action due to injury
Highlights of Accomplishments:
• 2007 First Team All-American
• 2007 Bednarik Award Semifinalist
• 2007 Rotary Lombardi Semifinalist
• 2007 Lott Award Semifinalist
• 2007 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Candidate
• 2006 & 2007 First Team All-Big Ten
• 2006 All-American Honorable Mention
High School: Attended Central High School in Champaign, IL, where he recorded 191 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, nine sacks, three blocked punts, five forced fumbles and one interception his senior season. He was honored as the Area Player of the Year by the Champaign News-Gazette and was an All-State Selection by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association. Leman also lettered in basketball and track.
Major: Speech Communications; also graduated with a Masters in Human Resource Management in December.
Quote of Note: “People think I never go to bars or never have a drink,’’ he said. “I try not to get drunk. I try to stay out of bad situations. People think I’m sitting home, watching movies and playing board games. I’m out with the guys at parties and everything. I just live differently.’’
--J Leman on Living a Christian Lifestyle
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