Rams’ Leogrande develops into defensive force on gridiron

By JIMMY ALLINDER
Correspondent

 South River High School’s Richie Leogrande was a mainstay on the Rams’ offensive and defensive lines last fall, when South River qualified for the state sectional playoffs. Leogrande looks to lead the Rams back into the postseason this fall.  STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR South River High School’s Richie Leogrande was a mainstay on the Rams’ offensive and defensive lines last fall, when South River qualified for the state sectional playoffs. Leogrande looks to lead the Rams back into the postseason this fall. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR A s a three-year starter for the South River High School football team, Richie Leogrande has proven that he can play at the next level. But never has the senior lineman grabbed the attention of Bowl Championship Series (BCS) schools, like nearby Rutgers University.

That may be about to change. His performances at various combines since the end of last season, including the recent National Underclassmen (NUC) Top Prospect Camp in Oklahoma City, have caused programs that ignored him before to take another look at the strong and explosive lineman.

Leogrande was an undersized defensive end when he joined the Rams’ varsity team as a freshman. He was maybe 6 feet tall and weighed less than 200 pounds. However, Leogrande’s sheer strength and desire enabled him to go toe-to-toe against bigger linemen, often disrupting the flow of opposing offenses.

As a sophomore, Leogrande capitalized on his experience to force opponents to double-team him in an effort to neutralize his effectiveness.

It was when he became a junior that Leogrande sprouted 2 1/2 inches which brings his current height to 6 feet, 2 1/2 inches. He also weighs 230 pounds and expects to add 10 more pounds before the season begins. In other words, Leogrande has turned into a legitimate prototypical defensive end.

South River coach Rich Marchesi said Leogrande is one of the toughest players to wear a Rams uniform in the 28 years he has been on the sidelines.

“I call him a throwback player, which makes him a favorite here since we pride ourselves on playing tough, physical football,” he said. “It’s not going to be a pleasant afternoon for an opponent who goes up against him for four quarters. Richie will not quit.”

“I just got back from the [2015 NUC Football] combine, and it was a great experience,” Leogrande said. “In order to be invited, you had to be judged a top prospect and achieve some measurable results that demonstrate strength, speed and agility.”

Leogrande said he competed against some of the country’s top athletes, and he was able to gauge where he is in terms of developing his potential.

“I benched 315 pounds, deadlifted 430 pounds and squatted 375 pounds,” he said. “I met some great players from all over the country, and I hope to see them on the field in college.”

Leogrande is a key player for the Rams, who hope to repeat as Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Blue Division champions. They finished unbeaten last year in the Blue Division and 10-2 overall, but they ended the season with a 42-7 loss to Asbury Park High School in the first round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I tournament. The defeat left a sour taste in the mouths of the Rams, and Leogrande would like nothing more than to earn a rematch with the Blue Bishops or a shot at any other team that qualifies for the playoffs.

Leogrande was raised in Ocean Township, where he played football for the local Pop Warner team. When he became too big, he shifted to the Barnegat Unlimited Weight League. His family then moved to South River.

In addition to playing defensive end his entire high school career, Leogrande was an offensive guard his sophomore and junior seasons, and he will start at tight end this fall.

“Before the ball snaps, I focus on the key players,” he said about being a disruptive force on defense. “Then I visualize my moves and how I’m going to dominate whoever ends up with the ball.” Leogrande doesn’t mention which college he will attend because he hopes to earn a scholarship from a school that hasn’t yet offered. Wherever he goes, he intends to major in criminal justice and become a detective.

“I’ve maintained a 3.7 grade-point average, so I’m confident my athletic and academic ability will help me get a scholarship,” he said.

Leogrande also plays baseball. He hit .312 last spring and led the Rams in RBIs with 15. He was also an excellent defensive first baseman. He knows his future, however, is playing football.

In order to prepare for the fall and gain more weight, Leogrande said he is working with Marchesi, assistant coaches Mike Feaster and Matt Musante and his strength coach, LaSalle McDonald. “I’m pleased with how I’ve improved my footwork and lowered my 40-yard dash time,” Leogrande said. “In the 3 1/2 months working with Lasalle, I’m down to 4.8 seconds.”

Leogrande credits his parents and coaches for helping him because of their dedication to doing whatever it takes to help him reach his potential.

Leogrande is looking forward to his final season on the gridiron.

“Two of my closest friends are Doug Ryan (all-GMC running back) and Sean Darrar (middle linebacker), and we are fiercely united in our goal to limit opponents from scoring,” he said. “Our plan is to help younger teammates have a successful season full of hard work and good sportsmanship.”