Meet the Mid presented by Allstate: Sophomore Slot Back Gage Leonard

Name: Gage Leonard

Year: Second year student

Position: Snipe

Height: 5’8

Weight: 185

Hometown: Chatsworth, Georgia.

High school: Calhoun

Major: Political science

What do you want to do after graduation and why? Special Warfare. To be part of an elite community and serve my nation at the tip of the spear.

Why did you choose Marine? Brotherhood. Be part of an elite institution built on character, discipline and selflessness. Being surrounded by like-minded people who strive to become something bigger than themselves.

What would you say to someone considering joining the Navy to play football? We have a special program. There is no other team that is as united as we are. We represent more than a college fan base, we represent the United States Military. This school will prepare your life for success and make you a man like no other place could. You will meet friends for life thanks to a Brotherhood that will never die.

If you could play any other position, what position would you play and why? Middle linebacker (if I was 6’2). The captain of the defense. You have to be a physical and mental beast.

If you could pick one opponent that Navy could face that isn’t currently on the schedule, who would you pick and why? Georgia. My home state team. The best team in college football. This would be an ultimate test for us and our guys are yearning for a challenge.

Favorite course at the Naval Academy and why? Direction. Teaches you how to become a strong leader, prepares you for life as an officer and also develops your character.

Hardest course at the Naval Academy and why? Calculation. No explanation needed.

Favorite professor at the Naval Academy and why? Professor McBride. Naval Academy graduate and surface warfare officer. He kept everything real and taught us valuable lessons about history, leadership and people.

Favorite form of social media and why? Instagram. I’m not a TikTok guy so I find myself on the reels a lot.

Favorite person to follow on social media and why? Garrett Unclebach. Entrepreneur, Christian speaker and former Navy Seal. He shares stories from his service in the Navy and connects them to his Christian faith similar to mine. He posts content that helps grow my faith and mindset.

If you could have dinner with 4 people currently at the Naval Academy, who would you choose and why? Our new commander. Captain Walt Allman, USN. A former DEVGRU operator with extensive combat experience.

Favorite sport to follow at the Naval Academy besides football and why? Men’s rugby. One of my best friends plays and it’s very interesting to learn such a brutal foreign sport.

If you weren’t playing football at Navy, what sport would you play and why? Boxing. I love combat sports. Our boxing team seems very competitive and the training is intense. I would love to compete in the boxing ring.

What song is playing in your headphones in the locker room right before you take the field? My own prison – Credo

What is your dream vacation? 3 weeks in New Zealand discovering the beaches, meadows and mountains.

What is the best thing about being part of the American Athletic Conference? The opportunity to play against NFL talent every week.

What do you think of the Army’s participation in the American Athletic Conference? It will be interesting to see how successful Army can be in a very competitive and talented conference that we are used to playing.

Favorite quote from Coach Newberry: “Coach Volk, what would we look like there today?”

How would you describe Coach Cronic’s offense: Dynamic and unpredictable.

How would you describe Coach Volker’s defense: Hungry and aggressive.

One word to describe a Navy football player: Warrior

Who will be the surprise offensive player in 2024? Josh Guerin

Who will be the surprise player on defense in 2024? Coleman Cauley

Who is the toughest player on the Navy football team? Colin Ramos

Which player represents Navy Football? Dana Fofana

Who will be the most valuable offensive player in 2024? Eli Heidenreich

Who will be the most valuable player on defense in 2024? Colin Ramos

What are you most looking forward to in 2024? Beating the Army Close to Home in Washington DC

Tell us one thing about yourself that most people don’t know? I used to be unable to fall asleep if Friends wasn’t on TV.

Tell us something about yourself that would make a good story? At a very young age, I promised myself I would serve in the army. I remember seeing an American flag at the courthouse on the way home from a youth football game and promising myself that this is what I wanted to do. When I grew up, I knew I wanted to play FBS football and I didn’t know how I was going to serve the country and play ball. When I received an offer from the Naval Academy during my junior year of high school, I knew it was a path God had laid out for me to achieve both of my dreams. I committed right away because I knew the Naval Academy was the right place to go.

If there was a movie about your life, what would it be called and who would play you? The outlaw. Jon Bernthal