Calgary's Deane Leonard adjusting to rookie life alongside Chargers' Canadian contingent

Canadian Deane Leonard has certainly taken the path less travelled to the NFL's Los Angeles Chargers.

The 22-year-old cornerback is in his rookie season with the Chargers (1-2). SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., is a long way from McMahon Stadium, the home venue for the Calgary Dinos, the team Leonard helped capture the '19 Vanier Cup before transferring to Ole Miss the following year.

"It's still, 'Wow,"' Leonard said in a recent telephone interview of his NFL journey. "It's a dream come true you know, three years ago, I was at the University of Calgary.

Football has long been a part of life for the six-foot, 195-pound Calgary native. His father, Kenton, was a defensive back with the CFL's Calgary Stampeders (1991-97).

Deane Leonard played minor and high school football in Calgary before enrolling at the University of Calgary. He appeared in 23 games over three seasons, registering 47 tackles, one tackle for loss, a sack and six interceptions and twice earning All-Canadian honours.

After helping Calgary win the '19 Vanier Cup title, Leonard transferred to the University of Mississippi. He appeared in 19 games over two seasons with the Rebels, recording 64 tackles (one for a loss) and 11 passes defended.

deane machine !!!!! <a href="https://t.co/kKxw2ZAeO9">pic.twitter.com/kKxw2ZAeO9</a>

Leonard was also a solid student off the field. He earned academic All-Canadian honours at Calgary while also being named to the SEC First-Year Academic honour roll.

Twice he earned a spot on the Chancellor's honour roll list at Ole Miss.

The Chargers took Leonard in the seventh round, No. 236 overall, in the '22 NFL draft. He was selected after Alabama receiver John Metchie III of Brampton, Ont., (second round, No. 44 overall, to