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Former Florida offensive lineman Richie Leonard isn’t leaving the state, committing to rival Florida State on Saturday. FSU announced him as a signee shortly after news of his commitment to the Seminoles.
Leonard transfers after he led the Gators with 755 snaps on the offensive line this season. A 12-game starter in 2023, he has 1 year of eligibility remaining.
Leonard began his career with the Gators in 2020. Out of Cocoa (Fla.) High School, the 247Sports Composite ranked him as a 3-star prospect and No. 48 player at the position. His offers included FSU, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mizzou.
After redshirting in 2020, his playing time increased in 2021, making 8 appearances with 1 start on the OL against Missouri that year. Leonard then played in 11 games with 1 start in 2022.
There’s some help at OL heading to Gainesville. Florida has also been busy in the portal, securing commitments from OL transfers Devon Manuel (Arkansas) and Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson (San Diego State). The Gators also have 4-star enrollee Fletcher Westphal and 3-star enrollees Mike Williams and Noel Portnjagin on the way, as well as 3-star signee Marcus Mascoll.
Billy Napier led Florida to a 5-7 record this season. The Gators’ bowl hopes rested on the final regular season game against Florida State, but they fell short and lost 24-15. Florida State finished the year at 13-1 following the loss to Georgia in the Orange Bowl.
We’ve added a tough, versatile offensive lineman to #Tribe24
Welcome to the #NoleFamily, @RichieLeonardIV!https://t.co/YTMGO0o2UL pic.twitter.com/M4QI5SkPb9
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) January 13, 2024
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
