Canadian defensive back Deane Leonard commits to Ole Miss

Canadian defensive back Deane Leonard has committed to play NCAA Division I football at the University of Mississippi.

Leonard had Ole Miss and Louisiana State University, the reigning CFP National Champions, among his final two in deciding between Southeastern Conference programs. Ole Miss presented the opportunity for a scholarship.

Leonard was a first-team All-Canadian performer in 2019 with the University of Calgary Dinos. He made 22 tackles, one for loss, one sack, defended eight passes while leading the Canada West Conference with four interceptions last season, returning two for touchdowns on the road at the University of Alberta and University of British Columbia.

Photo Scott Grant / CFLPhotoArchive.com

The son of former Calgary Stampeders defensive back Kenton Leonard was a lockdown cover man on Calgary’s 2019 Vanier Cup championship team. The two-time All-Canadian stands six-foot-two and weighs 193 pounds. Leonard is a smooth-moving DB who has top end speed. He is a Calgary native and played at Notre Dame High School in Cowtown.

Lane Kiffin’s new Rebels staff earned a commitment from University of Guelph defensive lineman Tavius Robinson. Former NCAA and NFL star Terrell Buckley made an impression with Leonard and it led to the DB choosing The Grove. Ole Miss was making the rounds in Canada searching for improvements to their roster to compete in the ultra competitive SEC.

Leonard is the latest talent from north of the border to accept a full ride to the University of Mississippi.