Joshua Leff '22 Recruiting Profile

I played soccer my whole life and was introduced to the idea of kicking and punting during the winter of 8th grade. I have always seen a common pattern when I play sports. I might not start as the best player or the player that catches the coach's eye first, but I always end up being one of the best players. It is because I would outwork the other players since I wanted it more than them. When I started punting, I wasn't the best punter. It took hours of hard work, commitment, sacrifice, and dedication to my craft to become one of the best punters in the nation in high school. My dad and I would drive over 3 hours every weekend to train with my punting coach. I knew consistent practice and holding myself to the highest standards would be the only way to achieve my dream of playing college football. The hours of grinding paid off since I earned seven Division 1 offers including Illinois, UCLA, Rice, Air Force, Navy, Colorado, and Nevada. A thing that is not brought up often I would like to share. Besides my talents, I earned these offers through persistence. I would send the coaches film 2-3 times a week. Some coaches would not respond for a month, but I did not quit. When I earned my offer to play at the University of Colorado Boulder the coach told me I had never met someone who was more persistent and determined before.  I ended up choosing University of Illinois to be able to play in the Big 10.

My journey hasn’t been how I ever pictured it. I transferred from Illinois to SMU in the winter, since I was unable to pursue my academic goals of a business education and play Big 10 football; and I did not want to settle on an easy major that the football team wanted me to do since it would not enable me to pursue my career interests post school.  SMU spring ball went well and I was very excited for the summer when I unfortunately came down with mono, pneumonia, and strep throat and was in the hospital for several days in mid June.  The pneumonia and strep throat went away, but I have a severe case of mono and based on my doctor's and SMU's doctors advice, I received a medical redshirt for the season.  Unfortunately with me being out for the season, they brought in several other punters and they cannot guarantee there will be a spot for me on the team, so we agreed it was best for me to re-enter the transfer portal so I could pursue my dream of high academics and playing football.  I therefore am in the transfer portal again. 

Reflecting on my journey, I am very grateful for all of the life lessons I have learned. In addition to having the opportunity to build lifelong relationships with my former coaches and strength coaches who are all amazing people. I know any of them would stand on the table for me. I believe I have every tool now to be a successful punter. I know what it takes to be a great teammate, doing my job to the best ability I can, and how to be successful in every practice and lift. I have 4 years of eligibility and I believe I have gained 2 years of priceless experience.  And punting-wise, in practice at both Illinois and SMU, I have averaged over 4.0 hang times and 40 yards going both directionally left and right; in addition, I can roll out.  Also, field goal-wise I am consistent 50 yards and in. 

I believe on the football side I bring a lot to the table. Being part of two Division 1 football programs I have learned so much. I gained 2 years of priceless experiences that an incoming freshman couldn't match. In addition, I have 4 years of eligibility left after this school year. This will allow me to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees from one of the best academic Universities in the world and play Division 1 FCS or FBS college football.