A.C. Leonard’s high school career could be over.
Less than 24 hours after recommitting to UF, the Jacksonville University Christian High star was suspended by the Florida High School Athletic Association for an on-field incident that occurred Friday night.
An FHSAA spokesman confirmed Wednesday that Leonard, who is rated as the fourth-best tight end in the nation by Rivals.com, was suspended for six weeks for a Level 2 infraction after taking a swing at an opposing player during University Christian’s 24-14 loss to Jacksonville Episcopal High.
The spokesman said this was the second incident involving the four-star tight end this season. He didn’t provide details on the first violation, which was classified as a Level 1 infraction, but said Leonard didn’t miss any playing time because the suspension was appealed.
“We certainly respect what the FHSAA has decided on,” University Christian coach Heath Nivens said. “I hate it for our football team, and it is what it is. A.C.’s already learned a valuable lesson through this.”
With four regular-season games remaining on University Christian’s schedule, the team would have to advance beyond the second round of the playoffs for Leonard to be eligible to return.
But with the team 0-3 in district play and only three more district games left, that looks doubtful.
Because Leonard is ineligible, during his suspension he is not permitted on the team’s bench, inside the team box or on the field wearing any portion of the team’s uniform during games, according to an FHSAA bylaw.
Despite the suspension, Nivens said Leonard, who plans to enroll at UF in January, is still on track to graduate in December and join the Gators in the spring.
“We’re certainly going to miss a valuable part of our team,” Nivens said. “But if there’s a silver lining in any of this, it’s that A.C. is going to have an opportunity to spend more time on his academic work before becoming a Gator.”
