June 4, 2010
Cullowhee, N.C. -
Former Western Carolina linebacker Adrian McLeod signed a professional football contract this week with the Green Bay Blizzard of the Indoor Football League (IFL). McLeod, who is expected to be in the starting lineup this weekend as the squad takes to the field at the Resch Center, was a second team All-America selection a year ago after leading both the team and Southern Conference in tackles.
McLeod joins another former Catamount in defensive back Carlton Bailey currently on the Blizzard roster.
McLeod, who transferred to WCU from West Hills College in California prior to his junior season in 2008, was twice tabbed second team All-Southern Conference by both the league's head coaches and the voting members of the SoCon Sports Media Association (SCSMA) last season. His 12.45 tackles per game average ranked second in the entire NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) at the end of the regular season.
A 2009 preseason All-America selection by the Consensus Draft Service (CDS), McLeod recorded double-digit tackles in all but one game last season - a run of 10-straight games after finishing with nine tackles in the season opener at Vanderbilt. McLeod led the Southern Conference during the regular season with 137 total hits, including 62 solo stops and eight tackles for loss.
The Oxon Hill, Md., native recorded a career-high 18 tackles against Wofford while also forcing a fumble, and came within eight stops of tying the WCU school-record for tackles in a single season (145 set by Marcus Bradley in 1997).
Following the season, McLeod was named second team All-America by The Sports Network becoming the seventh different Catamount all-time to be recognized by organization on its All-America selection. He joined Eddie Cohen (2nd team), Geno Segers (1st team, 1988); Todd Harkins (2nd, 1992); Kerry Hayes (1st, 1993); Ken Hinsley (3rd, 1998) and Eric Johnson (3rd, 1997; 1st, 1998).
During his junior season, McLeod led the Catamount defense with 100 tackles including 55 solo stops and 12 tackles for loss. He had one interception with a pair of blocked kicks and two sacks in 2008.
Established in 2003, the Green Bay Blizzard is a professional indoor football team based in Green Bay, Wisc., joining the 25 team Indoor Football League (IFL) in 2010. With an overall record of 7-4 on the year, the Blizzard currently stands in first place and hosts the Wichita Wild - and two additional former Catamounts in Darius Fudge and Kevin McAlmont - this Saturday (June 5).
Former Catamounts Playing Professional Football:
National Football League (NFL):
David Patten - New England Patriots
Arena Football League (AFL):
Rico Reese - AFL - Alabama Vipers
Indoor Football League (AFL):
Carlton Bailey - Green Bay Blizzard
Darius Fudge - Wichita Wild
Kevin McAlmont - Wichita Wild
Southern Indoor Football League (SIFL):
Todd Spitzer - Columbus (Ga.) Lions
