A-C's Leasure headed to Ohio State to play football

AMANDA - Most Ohio high school football players dream of playing football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but few get that opportunity.

Amanda-Clearcreek senior Jordan Leasure is no different, at least on that first half.

“Ever since I was little, I wanted to play for Ohio State,” Leasure said. “I knew if that was ever going to happen, I would have to work hard and be dedicated if I was ever going to get a chance to put an Ohio State jersey on.”

Leasure’s childhood dream will become a reality. He is headed to Ohio State as a preferred walk-on, which means he is on the team and will be treated just like the rest of the players. The only difference is he has to pay his tuition. More than likely, he will eventually earn a full scholarship.

Leasure, who is a three-sport standout, including wrestling and track — he is the No. 1 ranked 195-pounder in the state in Division II wrestling this season and qualified for the state track meet in the 110 hurdles last season — will begin his career as a running back when he reports to Ohio State. His position may change, but that is where he will start out.

Leasure was on Ohio State’s radar last season, and when he went for a recruiting visit, the coaching staff told him to continue to work hard and they would keep an eye on him.

Although Leasure could have gone to other schools, he was holding out hope that Ohio State had a spot for him. When the school offered him a preferred walk-on spot, he jumped at the chance.

“Ohio State has always been my top choice,” Leasure said. “I am really excited and wish I could start camp right now. I know I have a lot of hard work in front of me, but I am looking forward to proving myself.”

Leasure, who was the 2015 Eagle-Gazette Athlete of the Year as a junior, rushed for 1,860 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. He played in only eight games because of a shoulder injury. He also shined on defense as a safety and linebacker.

He holds Amanda-Clearcreek’s single-game rushing record, and he broke the school’s career wins record in wrestling earlier this season. He has reached the state wrestling tournament the last three years.

Amanda-Clearcreek football coach Scott Hinton said he is not surprised Leasure is getting a chance to suit up for the Buckeyes.

“I don’t think in all of my years of coaching I have ever had a kid worker harder than Jordan,” Hinton said. “He puts in maximum effort in everything he does. He knows he has a lot of work ahead of him, but he is a guy that is not going to shy away from competition.

“Regardless of how things turn out for him up there, he is such a quality kid, and he will help the program one way or another. It will be exciting to see how things turn out for him.”

The Ohio State coaches want Leasure to attend some spring practices to get acclimated, and then he will enroll in school in June and begin working out with the team.

“They want me come in as a running back, but I will play any position to help the team,” Leasure said. “Whatever I end up playing, I know I will dedicate myself and work as hard as I can.”

twilson@lancastereaglegazette.com

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Twitter: @twil2323