2024 Sophomore

• Entered the transfer portal following the regular season
• Played in two games
• Made collegiate and Illini debut in the 2024 season opener vs. Eastern Illinois (8/29/24)
• Hit Zakhari Franklin in back of end zone for key two-point conversion in win vs. #24 Michigan (10/19/24)

2023 Redshirt Freshman

• Did not play in a game

2022 Freshman

• Did not play in a game and redshirted the season

High School 

• Three-star recruit by 247Sports, ESPN, On3, and Rivals
• Position ranks: #42 (On3), #50 (247), #53 (ESPN)
• State ranks: #9 (On3), #14 (247), #25 (Rivals), #26 (ESPN)
• Played for head coach Brian Wright at Timber Creek
• Four-year letterwinner
• Three-time all-conference
• Offers included Boston College, Central Michigan, Colorado State, East Carolina, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rutgers, Temple, Toledo, and Virginia Tech

Personal

• Born December 21, 2003
• Son of Glen and Lorie Leary
• Two brothers, Andrew Willard and Devin Leary, and two sisters, Shannon Leary and Riley Leary
• Brother, Devin, plays quarterback at North Carolina State
• Chose Illinois because, “I feel that I am at home every time I am there. The family atmosphere throughout the students and the great academics the school offers will impact my life forever. Illinois will give me the best opportunity to be successful in life. The football program fits my needs and there is no other coach I’d rather play for than Coach B.”
• Majoring in communication
• Plans to be a football coach following his playing career