Leodis McKelvin has had all the Troy fans talking since his first action in 2004. If the 61 yard kick-off return against Utah State did not grab your attention, the 71 yard interception return for a touchdown surely did. He continued to amaze in 2004 as he scorched Idaho and Florida Atlantic for a pair of touchdowns respectively. The 2005 season was forgettable for Troy Trojan fans as the Trojans struggled all year but for Leodis it served as his coming out party on a big time stage against South Carolina. The Gamecocks watched as Leodis returned a kick-off 100 yards with in the confines of Williams-Brice Stadium. He also returned a punt against arch rival UAB for 73 yards and a score. The 2006 season brought some challenges at cornerback as he successfully faced two All-Americans in the form of Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson and Rice's Jarret Dillard. He also continued his punt return show as FIU experienced another exciting touchdown from the legs of Leodis. In 2007 Troy was given their first FBS All-American as Leodis continued to show his skills as both a cornerback and return man. He added Adarius Bowman to his list of receivers defended and also made the very same Oklahoma State Cowboys victim of his return expertise. His defensive career stats at Troy include 173 total tackles with 4 interceptions. As a punt return specialist he returned 112 punts for 1471 yards for an average of 13.2 yards and 7 touchdowns. Kick returns were just as impressive with 99 kick returns for 2346 yards for an average of 23.6 yards and 1 touchdown. Leodis also amassed 3873 all-purpose yards for 81.1 yards per game most of which came by way of kick and punt returns. To say the least, Leodis has been an amazing athlete on the Trojan gridiron since his cleats started kicking up the tiny black specks of rubber beneath the turf at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium with each getting better and better.
I would say that if you were drafting a cornerback and could design him anyway you wanted, Leodis would fit the mold in most areas of development. Speed: Check! Quickness: Check! Swivel Hips: Check! Break on the Ball: Check! Return Skills: Check! Check! Check! The NFL scouts also agree as Leodis is listed as the top cornerback in the 2008 NFL draft by many of them. When the NFL draft day finally arrives the nation will see exactly what we in Troy have experienced the last four years as the most dynamic cornerback and return specialist ever to play for the Troy Trojans makes his way to the bigs by way of a top 10 pick.