Leon Searcy - Football

Leon Searcy spent five seasons as an offensive tackle at the University of Miami, lettering from 1988-91. By the time his collegiate career concluded Searcy was a No. 1 draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers - 11th overall.
Among the most impressive feats recorded by Searcy was the fact that he started every game his final three seasons. He also didn't start playing football until his final year of high school at Maynard Evans in Orlando.
Searcy first began as a scout squad offensive line on the 1987 national championship team, gaining valuable experience facing All-Americans and future NFLers Daniel Stubbs and Bill Hawkins on a daily basis. He spent his first season playing with the varsity squad in 1988 as a reserve offensive tackle seeing action late in games. In his first year starting, as a sophomore in 1989, Searcy was a key figure in helping the UM offense average 144 yards rushing and 309 yards passing per game.
The coaches noted with that each and every play, Searcy got better - more dominant. According to former line coach Gregg Smith, "I felt that in the Notre Dame game (the regular season finale), he really came of age in terms of confidence and performance." During his junior season in 1990, Searcy started every game at right tackle helping the Hurricanes' record setting offense finish fifth nationally with 482.9 yards per game and 324.8 passing yards per game.
Searcy's final season in Coral Gables, as a senior in 1991, was his greatest. He would go on to earn First-Team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America, and Second-Team All-America honors from The Sporting News, The Football News and Associated Press. He was an All-BIG EAST first-team selection in the league's inaugural football campaign.
After being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Searcy spent his first four seasons in the "Steel City" until 1995. He then signed on with the fledgling Jacksonville Jaguars, playing from 1996-2000. After spending the 2001 season with the Baltimore Ravens, Searcy signed on with the Miami Dolphins for the 2002 season, but was forced on to the injured reserve with a torn triceps injury.
Among his professional accolades over his 11 NFL seasons, Searcy was twice selected to the Pro Bowl in 1996 and 1997. He also played in Super Bowl XXX with the Steelers.