21 Players in 21 Days: #10 Leon O'Neal

Leon O’Neal

Position: Safety
Classification: Senior
Hometown: Cypress, TX
Listed Height: 6-1
Listed Weight: 210

Key notes from Billy’s analysis of O’Neal

• Leon has had some moments on Twitter in his career, but the good outweighs the bad by so much. Aggie fans feel like they know Leon O'Neal because they've gone through it with him. They have his back, and he has theirs. He announced he was transferring at one point, but he stuck with A&M. They've stuck with him.
   
• He's now a team leader because he does it with his words and his actions. He tells everyone in that locker room that he loves this game. He also goes out and works hard, and there is nobody in Maroon & White who works harder than him. If every player on every team worked as hard as Leon, they'd win a national championship.
   
• As a player, I think Leon is good with a chance to be great. His development from year to year has been noticeable. If he can have another big jump, it will be a special senior season for him.
   
• I think people will look at Leon as a safety without that step to chase Kadarious Toney or Jaylen Waddle down the field in one-on-one. Some receivers will be match-up problems for him, but he's not slow. You see guys in the NFL all of the time where their strengths outweigh the bad. Leon has so many traits that set him apart. The experience and the toughness come to mind.
   
• He can tackle. He has the frame to hold up in the SEC and tackle running backs in this league. He has the nose for the football, and you've seen him make some big plays. He has had some timely pass break-ups. You've seen him blitz well. That goes back to his knowledge of the defense, timing and understanding of the game.
   
• People hone in on two things: the mistakes he made early in his career and that he lacks a step. He doesn't run a 4.45, but that's OK. He's 208 pounds and knows where to be on every play and gets there. Leon is a guy we don't talk about enough as a guy who could have a great senior season.
   
• He has matured so much. Who am I to say that anybody has matured? I look at a guy like Leon and say he has matured because we've watched how far he has come as a young man and as a player. Jimbo Fisher and Mike Elko have to be proud about what he has done on the field and off.
   
• I'm a fan and want to see him have a good year. At the least, he's a necessary piece on this defense. At the most, he takes a big jump from last season to this one.

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