Leading Man: Leach Provides Spark on Both Sides of Ball
November 17, 2003 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. -- East Carolina's football program has undergone a number of changes in the past four years, from the completion of the new strength and conditioning center to the coaching change this past winter.
However, the changes that Vonta Leach has experienced are on a more personal level.
The senior from Rowland, N.C., has gone from being a key playmaker at linebacker on defense to a starting fullback on offense, playing an important role at ECU, regardless of which side of the ball he lines up on.
In his first two seasons as a Pirate, Leach made a name for himself around Conference USA with his solid play at the inside linebacker position. In his freshman season, Leach recorded 33 total tackles, four of which were for a loss, as well as one and one-half sacks. Those numbers earned him a spot on the 2000 C-USA All-Freshman Team, an honor that had previously never been accomplished by an ECU true freshman.
In his sophomore campaign, Leach was the backup inside linebacker behind All-American Pernell Griffin, recording 32 tackles and two sacks.
It wasn't until his junior season that the coaching staff decided that Leach should be given a chance to use his ability on offense.
Four games into the 2002 season, he moved to offense and became a fullback, blocking for the Pirate running backs and carrying the ball in short yardage situations. Leach finished the season with 30 yards on 11 carries as well as 30 tackles on defense. His blocking was a key ingredient to the success of Pirate running backs Art Brown and Christshawn Gilliam, who combined for four 100-yard rushing games during Leach's stay on offense.
His success in the second half of last season, plus a change in ECU's offensive scheme which allowed for more two-back sets, were primary reasons why he was rated the No. 20 fullback in the nation by The Sporting News in its 2003 preseason publication. Adding to the hype was an exceptional performance in ECU's 2003 Spring Game, where he barrelled over defenders for 108 yards on 14 carries.
Leach's versatility became evident during his playing days in high school at South Robeson High. During his prep career, Leach rushed for 4,615 yards and 75 touchdowns on offense and collected 138 tackles in his senior season on defense.
"I enjoyed playing defense earlier in my career but now that I have switched over to offense, I like catching the ball. I think that I have one of the best set of hands on the team," joked Leach, who has caught eight passes for 44 yards this year.
"I like offense a little better but it really doesn't matter to me. The fullback position is a lot like a linebacker with the only difference being you are hitting a defender instead of the ball carrier."
On Sept. 6, Vonta scored his first touchdown late in the game against West Virginia. The touchdown was the first touchdown of the season for the Pirates and the first of Leach's career. Unfortunately for the Pirates, the game was out of reach at the time, but it was still a memorable moment for Leach.
"It felt good when it happened. I'd never scored a collegiate touchdown but it would have felt better if we had won. It just came at a bad time, but I still enjoyed it though."
The 6-0, 253 pound Leach has had a great impact on the team this year, both on and off the playing field. He is a senior leader that has helped some of the younger players deal with the coaching change as well as helping to improve a running game that is getting stronger as the season grows.
"Basically my role this year is more of a blocking back than a running back. Also, part of my role is stepping up this year and being a team leader, helping to hold the team together during the coaching change," Leach said.
Leach's leadership comes at a crucial time for the ECU football program with the team getting off to a slow start this season. Despite the team's early struggles, Vonta is optimistic about first-year head coach John Thompson, his coaching staff and the future of the program.
"Coach Thompson is very enthusiastic and the players really like him. I think he can do a good job here. He brings a winning attitude along with the entire coaching staff," Leach said.
With the win at Army on Oct. 18 and a strong showing against Louisville a week later, Leach feels the team has taken a step in the right direction for the future.
"I think the team needed a win really badly. We haven't had a win here in a long time. The team was very excited and emotions were high after the win. Just getting the monkey off our back was a start in the right direction," Leach said.
Leach's positive attitude and determination come from two people who have played important roles in his life, his mother and grandmother.
"The greatest impact on my life would have to be both my mother and my grandmother. They have always been there for me. I come from a single parent home, growing up without a father figure, my mother made the best of what we had for my little brother and me. I would have to say my mom and my grandmother have been a very positive impact in my life."
After his college career comes to an end this season, Leach has a number of options to choose from, but his ultimate goal is playing in the National Football League.
"My plan is to try and get to the next level. Anybody who plays this game wants to get to the next level. That is what I am going to try and do but if that doesn't work out, I will finish up my degree and eventually I would like to coach somewhere. If I can't get into the NFL, I would like to help someone else try to make it there," Leach said.
Whichever path he takes, Vonta is sure to succeed and continue his development as an athlete and a leader on and off the playing field.
