Malik Leonard, 14-year old QB, leading South Florida powerhouse program, hearing from multiple schools

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — It’s not often that a freshman gets the starting job at a powerhouse high school football program, but such is the case for 2029 quarterback Malik Leonard at Chaminade-Madonna Prep. The Lions, considered a pre-season national title contender, defeated Western on Friday night, 56-0, to improve to 4-1 on the season.

“I feel like we played pretty well,” Leonard said after the game. “We scored on every drive. I also feel like I could have executed even better. My leadership could have been a little better today. We had some ups and downs, but we ultimately corrected the issue, which is what helped us put up 56.”

The 14-year-old started from game one for Chaminade and continues to impress on the field. In his four wins, Leonard completed 79 percent of his passes, throwing for nine touchdowns. However, in a 42-13 loss to a top-ten nationally ranked St. Frances Academy (MD) in the regular season opener, Leonard received much criticism.

“I’m actually handling it pretty well,” Leonard said of quarterbacking a national powerhouse program. “At first, it was a little rocky for me. I had some ups and downs. I was down on myself because I let the haters get to me, but then I started to tune all that out and came out here to do what I had to do to earn this starting position. A lot of people think that since I’m 14, I didn’t deserve this starting position, but I just came out here and played my game.

His improved play has caused backup and more experienced quarterbacks to transfer mid-season. Darryon Jones transferred to Venice, and Tyler Chance transferred to McArthur. Four-star Florida State 2026 WR commit Jasen Lopez is serving as the backup quarterback.

“It took a lot of training at a young age. All the work I put in during the offseason is starting to show now during the season. I’m glad people are starting to realize that.”

Leonard experienced his first game day visit when the Miami Hurricanes invited him to their game against USF.

“It was a great experience for me as a freshman. It’s something I really enjoyed. Going to that game and experiencing how players warm up and everything. I’m very blessed to have that opportunity. One day, I’m going to get there. I’m going to keep grinding until my day comes.”

Miami, Georgia, NC State, and USF are the schools that have already made significant contact with Leonard.

“Georgia invited me to one of their games. I’m looking forward to getting up there.”