Texas A&M DL DeMarvin Leal (6-4, 290), a former Converse Judson star, has been recognized by College Football News as a Preseason All-SEC and SEC Top 30 Player for 2021. He is one of four Aggie players to be named to the SEC Top 30.
Leal has also been named to the 2021 Bednarik Award Watchlist. The Bednarik Award recognizes college football’s top defensive player.
He was also named to the Lombardi Award Watchlist. The Lombardi Award goes to the top offensive or defensive lineman in college football who best exemplifies the character and discipline of NFL Hall of Fame Head Coach Vince Lombardi.
A Standout Defender at Converse Judson
During his high school days, Leal was a star on the defensive side of the ball for Converse Judson from 2016-2018. They were a playoff team in each of his high school seasons, making an appearance in the 6A quarterfinals in 2018.
2016
- 46 tackles
- 13 TFL’s
- 5 sacks
- 1 pass break-up
2017
- Named the District 26-6A Defensive MVP
- 1st Team All-State
- 66 tackles
- 14 TFL’s
- 2 sacks
- 4 pass break-ups
- 2 forced fumbles
- 1 forced fumble
2018
- District 26-6A Defensive Player of the Year (by unanimous vote)
- 83 tackles
- 16 TFL’s
- 6 sacks
- 6 pass break-ups
- 4 forced fumbles
- 2 fumble recoveries
Leal signed with the Aggies, turning down scholarship offers from Alabama, Texas, Clemson, Georgia, Oklahoma, and USC.
An Aggie Defensive Unit with some Swagger
In 10 games for the Aggies in 2020, Leal made 37 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 INT, 1 fumble recovery, and 3 pass break-ups. He recorded five or more tackles in four games last year.
Leal is one of nine starters returning for DC Mike Elko’s Aggie defense. This unit ranked #1 in the SEC in 2020 in Total Defense and #2 in the conference in rushing and pass defense. Leal and company were a Top Ten unit nationally, ranking #9 in Total Defense and #2 in Rushing Defense. Shades of the Wrecking Crew Defense of the late 80s and early 90s.
This unit will be the strength of the Aggies going into the 2021 season.
Tony Thomas is a freelance writer. He also writes about college football on his own website, www.thegridironnews.com.
