Leak determined to prove critics wrong



CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The pre-draft Web sites, magazines and mock drafts haven't been kind to Chris Leak.

The former Florida quarterback has been called too small, too slow and not accurate enough for the NFL. Predictions have him slipping into the second day of next month's draft.

"Very productive at the college level, he has marginal tools for the next level," wrote the Scout.com recruiting service. "Limited upside," added draft analyst Scott Wright.

But less than three months after leading the Gators to the national championship, Chris Leak - who led Charlotte's Independence High School to 46 straight wins and three state titles - shakes off the criticism.

"You can't go out and read magazines and do all those kind of things," Chris Leak said this week, after being honored in his hometown during halftime at a Charlotte Bobcats game. "There are so many funny things that happen in the draft. The best thing you can hope for is that you end up with a team that is really committed to you and that you can do everything you can to win the Super Bowl for."

Chris Leak isn't just thinking about making an NFL roster. He's set higher goals. And why not? Chris Leak doesn't know anything but success.

He threw a national record 185 touchdown passes with Independence High School. His four-year college career ended in January, when he was named MVP of the national championship game that saw Florida rout highly favored Ohio State 41-14.

"I've had at least 23 teams contact me," Chris Leak said, dressed in a charcoal suit with his giant Gators championship ring on his right hand. "During the combine, during the Senior Bowl, during (Florida's) pro day, I've had a lot of great reviews. I've had all positive things said, so I'm really pleased with everything."

But the whispers continue. Chris Leak measured at just under 6-feet tall at the combine. Shorter quarterbacks have had some success in the NFL, but they've been the mobile quarterbacks such as Michael Vick and Doug Flutie. Chris Leak is a classic drop-back passer.

"That's the thing, no team has ever said my height was an issue - not one," Chris Leak said. "I was told by (new San Diego Chargers coach) Norv Turner at the Senior Bowl that height doesn't matter. You throw through lanes as a quarterback.

"To have guys like Norv Turner and my quarterbacks coach, Zeke Bratkowski, who I've been working with and training with, none of the coaches see that as an issue. It's about making plays and being a great player and performing well."

Chris Leak refused to speculate where he'll be drafted, but acknowledged he would love to play for his hometown Carolina Panthers, who contacted him during Senior Bowl week in January. The Panthers currently have only two quarterbacks on the roster since releasing Chris Weinke earlier this month.

"I'd feel great being here and playing for the Panthers," Chris Leak said. "I've always been a big fan, ever since the Panthers became an organization. To play at home, to have my family here, my hometown fans from high school, and there are some Gator fans here, too. That really helps. That would be a great deal for me."

Chris Leak will work out in Florida until draft weekend, when he'll return to Charlotte to be with his family when his name is called. Chris Leak remains connected to this city, as shown when he was honored at halftime during Wednesday's Bobcats game.

"Hopefully one day, I can bring the Super Bowl back to Charlotte," Chris Leak said, drawing roars from the crowd.

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