Talented McLeod Leads Yale, Has Potential for Greatness

Deep in the heart of New Haven, Conn. lies a force to be reckoned with.

Junior running back Mike McLeod has managed to lead the Yale Bulldogs to an impressive 6-0 start, 3-0 in the Ivy league—a feat they had failed to accomplish since the early 1980s. With Saturday’s game approaching, the level of excitement is steadily increasing, as both the Yale and Columbia communities prepare for a battle of cats against dogs.

Yale head coach Jack Siedlecki, the leader of the Bulldogs’ relentless campaign to victory, doesn’t hesitate to stress the emphasis of dedication and commitment that has powered McLeod to the position he currently holds.

“He is selfless and a total team player,” Siedlecki said. “His improvements since his freshman year are measured by his increase in size and strength and his unbelievable work ethic. No one on our team works harder in the off-season. He is a vastly improved running back this year, and keeps getting better.”

Surprisingly, McLeod’s football career began on the defensive side of the ball. McLeod began his high school career under legendary coach Jack Cochran in New Britain as a defensive end, only to develop into a dominant running back his junior year.

When it came time to choose a college, McLeod credits his parents as a determining factor in his decision to go to Yale, where he is currently a political science major.

In Yale’s season opener against Georgetown University, McLeod established his position as the standout player with four touchdowns and 157 yards, leading the Bulldogs to their first of six straight wins. McLeod continued his dominant streak in subsequent games, breaking two of Yale’s football rushing yard records in three consecutive games. His first success took place against the Crusaders of Holy Cross with 256 rushing yards and two touchdowns, adding to his 37 career touchdowns, and again at Lehigh with 276 yards and two scores. His current touchdown record stands at an impressive 42.

“I do feel like there is a standard that I need to play up to,” McLeod said. “I judge my performance by looking at every carry. If I gained four or more yards and held on to the ball, then it was a successful play. At the end of the game, if I do that on an average of 60 to 70 percent of the time, then I played a good game.”

With the increased media attention following McLeod’s historic career development, it would seem that his fame has overshadowed the hard work and achievements of his fellow teammates, with the disparities between performances seen in McLeod’s total all-purpose yards by game resting at 1,186, compared to his closest competition, 266 rushing yards behind.

However, Siedlecki would be the first to disparage any rumors of team resentment.

“Mike is the best short yardage back I have ever coached,” he said. “He is going to get the ball when we are in the red zone. No one on our team gives more credit to his teammates than Mike. I think his teammates embrace his notoriety and enjoy the spotlight with him.”

Keeping himself grounded, McLeod does not hesitate to recognize the strong involvement his teammates have continuously played in his career.

“I feel that our team does a great job keeping me in line,” McLeod said. “We all know that no individual person is bigger than the team.”

As McLeod’s fame grows, so too does speculation about his early entry into the NFL. When questioned on whether McLeod has any plans to leave the Bulldogs football community, Siedlecki is quick to silence the rumor mill.

“He still has his best football ahead of him and he has the work ethic to meet his full potential,” Siedlecki said. “I think Mike will deal with the NFL prospects after his senior year season. I know it is not his focus right now. He is focused on making this Yale football team as successful as it can be.”

A devoted San Francisco 49ers fan, McLeod’s prospective entry into the NFL carries both uncertainty and hope.

“I am not sure what the future has in store for me,” he said. “However, if I were given the chance to play in the NFL, I would do so in a heartbeat.”

Saturday’s game holds the potential for another dominant game in McLeod’s career. Through his analysis of game reels and his dedication on and off the field, McLeod has succeeded in increasing both his patience and field vision, ensuring that the Columbia defense will have its hands full.

“We are a very physical football team on both sides of the ball,” Siedlecki said. “We must bring emotion and energy each Saturday in order to succeed. Our style of play necessitates emotional and physical focus with each team we play.”