CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Illinois senior defensive back and special teams standout Tailon Leitzsey was named a semifinalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year, the award's selection committee announced Wednesday. Leitzsey is one of 20 semifinalists that have demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field.
Three finalists will be named for the award on Wednesday, December 14. The winner will be announced at the award ceremony in Frisco, Texas, on February 23, 2023.
Personal Story
Leitzsey's long path to becoming a vital contributor for a top-25 ranked Big Ten football program began at NAIA Missouri Baptist. Following his freshman year at Missouri Baptist, Leitzsey knew that he could not only contribute, but excel at the Big Ten level, and he set his sights on joining the Fighting Illini program. He worked tirelessly on his own, training and contacting coaches to put himself in a position to seize an opportunity to play at Illinois. When his opportunity arrived, he was not in a stable personal financial situation. He could not afford to attend the U of I without financial aid or an athletic scholarship, so he saved money by living out of his car and working multiple jobs. Leitzsey earned his spot on the roster as a walk-on, and shortly after found himself in another financial strain as he prepared for the arrival of his daughter, Kairi. Despite the financial strain, he did what he could to help and provide for others, often stepping in to support his cousin and nephew. Through it all, Leitzsey identified and cultivated innumerable opportunities to give back to the community, maximizing his platform to make a difference in the world.
Off the Field
Leitzsey, who completed his bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2020 and is working towards a master's degree in Management from Illinois prestigious Gies College of Business, has made the most of his platform as a member of the University of Illinois football program and has had a profound effect on the community. During his time at Illinois, he has given countless hours to community service causes, many of which he helped build from the ground up after identifying a need. In addition to an ongoing list of community service events and motivational speaking engagements at local schools, youth program, and detention centers, Leitzsey has also rallied his teammates to host a free youth football camp in Urbana-Champaign, benefitting hundreds of local youth players all at no cost, each of the last two summers. In 2022, Leizsey also added a backpack drive to his philanthropic repertoire, donating nearly 200 backpacks, stuffed with school supplies, to children in need. Illini Athletics, the university, and community have been inspired to do more because of Leitzsey's direction to uplift youth, his spirit of entrepreneurship, and resiliency in his athletic and academic pursuits.
On the Field
After beginning his Illini career as a walk-on defensive back, primarily helping the team as a member of the scout defense each week, Leitzsey worked his way into a role as a top performer and stalwart for the Illini special teams units over the last two seasons. Along the way, Leitzsey's hard work and determination were rewarded by head coach Bret Bielema, who awarded him with a scholarship in April of 2021. Since earning his scholarship, Leitzsey has played in 17 of his 18 career games for the Orange and Blue, providing a veteran presence for special teams coverage units with three special teams tackles. He closed the 2021 campaign as the No. 9-rated special teams player in the Big Ten among players with 50+ coverage snaps, with a grade of 77.8 according to PFF.
About the Witten Collegiate Man of the Year
The award, presented by Albertsons and Tom Thumb, is the first college football honor to focus primarily on a player's leadership, both on and off the field. Leadership is a term synonymous with Jason Witten, who, in addition to becoming one of the best tight ends in the history of the sport, served as one of football's most prominent role models during his 16-year pro career. In addition to winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award in 2012, Witten also received the Bart Starr Award, Pro Football Weekly's Humanitarian of the Year Award, Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP and the Bob Lilly Award, among many others. All of those honors have recognized his work in the community, achievements on the field and dedication to his teammates and family.
The full list of semifinalists includes: Derick Hall (Auburn), Matthew Cindric (California), DeWayne Carter (Duke), Holton Ahlers (East Carolina), Dillon Gibbons (Florida State), Tailon Leitzsey (Illinois), Kaevon Merriweather (Iowa), Blake Corum (Michigan), Tanner Morgan (Minnesota), Austin Williams (Mississippi State), Xavier McDonald (Navy), Isaiah Moore (North Carolina State), Kamryn Babb (Ohio State), Brendon Evers (Oklahoma State), Alex Forsyth (Oregon), Sean Clifford (Penn State), Deslin Alexandre (Pittsburgh), Hendon Hooker (Tennessee), Sam Hartman (Wake Forest) and Edefuan Ulofoshio (Washington).
