Clayton junior signal-caller Landen Leiser is ready for the upcoming 2016 season. Leiser is coming off an impressive sophomore season with the Comets as he completed 106 of 263 passes for 1,742 yards with 21 touchdowns. Under new coach Hunter Jenks, Leiser and the Comets hope to improve on a 3-8 2015 campaign.
NCPreps.com caught up with Leiser and he had the following comments about upcoming season.
What have you been working on in the off-season to prep for a new season?
“This off-season we have worked hard on my pocket presence, being more poised and productive, trusting the abilities of our offensive linemen, so that our team can move the football through the end zone.”
Who is currently recruiting you college-wise?
“This summer, I attended camps and combines at Duke, Larry Fedora's "Freak Show" (with teammate and Jr. WR Devin Carter) at North Carolina, Wake Forest, South Carolina, NC State, UNC Charlotte, East Carolina, Appalachian State, Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, Old Dominion and the University at Washington. I also attended the Manning Passing Academy in June, was named the Camp MVP at the Russell Wilson Passing Academy and participated in the U.S. National Football Team Development Games in July.”
What games are you looking forward to the most this year?
“Our first game at Cleveland and our home opener against Corinth Holders are both tremendous new rivalries.”
How often do you watch game film?
“Game film is studied at least twice a day to prepare for this upcoming 2016 season.”
What is the longest pass you have thrown for?
“I am accurate throwing downfield about 70 yards. Last year against West Johnston, Blake Joyner and I connected for an 80-yard TD reception.”
What was your best stat game as a passer?
“In a wild 32-26 comeback finish against Knightdale, I passed for 4 TD's in the rain. We completed all five passes during an 85-yard drive that ended with a 19-yard TD pass to Blake Joyner with 19 seconds left on the clock.”
When reading defenses, what do you do to throw off cornerbacks who look to read your eyes?
“I will mix up cornerback reads by looking deep downfield or squaring up with the shoulders. It is also important to have a play action pass involved to confuse the defense.”
What makes you a leader?
“Attitude reflects leadership. Demonstrate being a great teammate by inspiring and pushing each other to be the best we can be, on or off the field.”
Who is the guy on the defensive side of the ball that you connect with the most even though you are on offense?
“This off-season, I spent much of my time with Cole Fitzsimmons, a Sr. Defensive End and Bryce Swackhammer, a Sr. Linebacker. One of my two North Carolina State Championships in baseball was with Bryce and his twin brother Brock, our Sr. Running Back.”
Why did you choose to play quarterback?
“I have been blessed with many tremendous coaches, beginning with Coach Stanley Monk in 2011 through Coach Hunter Jenks today, who believe that I have the drive, discipline and talent to handle the pressure at Quarterback in leading a team towards our maximum potential and success.”