Kevin Leyden‘s high school athletics career might be over because of a torn ACL, but the Haverford High All-Delco running back has had a change of heart as to where and what he will play in college.
Haverford’s Kevin Leyden has committed to West Chester.
TIMES STAFF/JULIA WILKINSON
Leyden, an Under Armour Underclassmen Games lacrosse participant this summer and one of the best midfielders in the state, has decommitted from Penn State lacrosse and committed to West Chester football.
“After this summer of lacrosse and last year’s season, I don’t know why, but I just started liking football and the idea of playing football in college more,” Leyden said. “It’s a really good team, I liked the atmosphere and I liked that it was close to home. It’s pretty awesome to have a lot of friends to play with there, too.
A year after collecting All-Delco honors by averaging more than a first down per carry, Leyden recorded 653 rushing yards and nine touchdowns at a 6.8 yards-per-carry clip. He had been committed to the Nittany Lions’ lacrosse team since July of 2012. Leyden had significant interest from Delaware, among a host of other offers, but preferred the idea of playing close to home and admitted that the Blue Hens’ interest dwindled after he tore the ACL in his left knee.
“Delaware wasn’t really interested in me after my knee,” said Leyden, who will have reconstructive surgery Monday. “It was a little bit of a bummer, but I’m really not that upset about it. My knee doesn’t bother me at all, either.”
Leyden figures to be a perfect fit for the Golden Rams’ offense, which featured a big-time pass-catching back in West Chester Rustin alum Rondell White, a Harlon Hill finalist. Leyden was one of the top receivers in the county last year with 386 yards and seven touchdowns at a 14.8 yards per catch average on 26 receptions.
“I like the offense,” said Leyden, who’s not sure as to whether he’ll redshirt. “I would want the ball as much as they want me to have it. I’m not sure what I’ll major in. Probably business.”
Leyden will join a team loaded with former Delco standouts, including former Haverford teammates Alex Host, All-Delco Marcus Sydnor and Pete Kirlin.
Delco Football 
Reblogged this on .
K. Leyden, and Marcus Sydnor back together again!!! Congrats #21
You have to go with your passion. Good luck and congrats!
Good move. PSU lax is really on the upswing. Saw Leyden play lax twice, and while he is a real good player, he would have had trouble finding playing time at PSU and it was only a quarter scholarship, which is typical for lax.
He is also better off at WC than UD for football. UD has Gallen from MP going there. Very similar football players, except Gallen is even faster, believe it or not.
He’ll be a good fit for WC.
Just shows how much Football means to some players. It’s hard to think once your done High School you’ll never get to play again, I’m sure that was what Leyden was thinking.
WCU is a perfect fit. What a season they are having this year!