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South Carolina State University Athletics

Events and Results

Events and Results

#BULLDOGTENACITY

South Carolina State Athletics University Hall of Fame

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DARIUS “SHAQUILLE” LEONARD

  • Class
    2017
  • Induction
    2024
  • Sport(s)
    Football

Nichols, SC (Indianapolis, IN) – (2024) -- Enjoyed an illustrious career at SC State and ended his Bulldog playing days as the all-time leading tackler in school history…Recorded 393 total tackles, 53.5 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, seven forced fumbles and six interceptions…Earned All-MEAC honors all four seasons and was named MEAC Defensive Player of the Year in both 2016 and 2017 and HBCU Defensive Player of the Year twice…Caught the eye of NFL teams after an outstanding performance against ACC power Clemson in 2016 when he recorded 19 tackles…Is the most decorated football player in SCSU school history…Was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts…Went on to lead the league in tackles as a rookieand earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and First-Team All-Pro honors…Was later voted as one of the league’s Top 100…Continued his outstanding play in the NFL and earned the moniker “Maniac” due to his energetic and productive play on the field play…Was a perennial All-Star at Indy during his NFL career and was one of the highest-paid players at his position, middle linebacker…Established a number of team and NFL records while with Indianapolis…Was signed as a free agent with Philadelphia midway the 2023 campaign…Has been a major contributor to causes in his hometown and the Indianapolis community.

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