In the world of college football, rising star Sam Leavitt is capturing attention, particularly from notable figures like former Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward. Currently serving as the receivers coach at Arizona State University, Ward has drawn comparisons between the talented sophomore quarterback and his former Steelers teammate, the legendary Ben Roethlisberger. Leavitt’s performance has sparked interest as he led Arizona State to impressive victories in his first year, including a championship in the Big 12 conference and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Ward emphasizes that Leavitt not only possesses the physical attributes to thrive in college football but also exhibits the same fierce competitiveness and leadership capabilities that made Roethlisberger a respected presence on and off the field. Though Leavitt has a year left before he can enter the NFL Draft, speculation is already rising about his potential future, especially with Ward’s endorsement highlighting key intangibles that may draw the attention of NFL teams, including the Steelers.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Leavitt’s Ascension and Background |
| 2) The Roethlisberger Comparison |
| 3) Leadership Qualities on Display |
| 4) Competitive Spirit and Play Style |
| 5) Future NFL Prospects |
Leavitt’s Ascension and Background
Born and raised in Oregon, Sam Leavitt showcased his football prowess early on, excelling at Michigan State University before transferring to Arizona State University. His decision to move was primarily influenced by the opportunity to start, as he sought a program where he could take the reins as the leading quarterback. As a sophomore transfer, Leavitt’s first year at Arizona State has been nothing short of remarkable. He has effectively guided the Sun Devils to attain a championship title in the Big 12 conference and secured a spot in the highly competitive College Football Playoff, marking himself as a player to watch.
In addition to his on-field achievements, Leavitt’s work ethic and dedication have garnered respect among teammates and coaches alike. His ability to adapt quickly to new systems and his comfort in the high-pressure environment of college football have contributed significantly to his successful transition to starting quarterback at Arizona State. With impressive stats and moments of high-level play, Leavitt is steadily making his mark both in collegiate rankings and in the eyes of NFL scouts, setting the stage for what could be a bright future in professional football.
The Roethlisberger Comparison
Legendary Steelers receiver Hines Ward has observed notable similarities between Leavitt and his former quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. Ward draws parallels not only in physicality but also in the mentality they both bring to the game. “Sam has that look in his eyes, like, ‘We will not be stopped. We’re going to score,'” shared Ward during a recent interview, noting how this determination aligns closely with Roethlisberger’s mindset. Throughout his tenure, Roethlisberger was known for this indomitable spirit, often rallying his team during challenging moments with his unwavering confidence.
Additionally, Ward highlighted how Leavitt approaches setbacks with a strong sense of resilience, a trait critical for any potential NFL quarterback. Ward remarked on the competitiveness of Leavitt, indicating that much like Roethlisberger, he relishes the chance to rise to the challenge and drive for success, making each play as impactful as possible. Despite differing in size, both possess a play style that emphasizes agile movement, strategic decision-making, and a commitment to executing successful plays under pressure, making Leavitt a contemporary embodiment of Roethlisberger’s quarterback legacy.
Leadership Qualities on Display
Leavitt’s leadership skills have also drawn attention from Ward and others, emphasizing the importance of a quarterback’s ability to rally teammates and establish a commanding presence. Ward has observed Leavitt stepping up as a vocal leader, making it clear that he fully embraces his role as the starting quarterback at Arizona State. “He’s the first guy out there. If you mess up or you run the wrong route, he will get on you,” Ward remarked, illustrating the way Leavitt maintains high expectations for his teammates. This authoritative leadership style is vital, as it fosters a mentality of accountability and high standards essential for team success.
Moreover, Leavitt’s dedication to leading by example plays a significant role in motivating other players. He goes above and beyond not just by encouraging teammates during practice but also through his daily efforts in improving both his skills and their performance. As teammates begin to resonate with his commitment, Arizona State is turning into a cohesive unit driven by their quarterback’s tenacity and sharply focused approach. Such leadership is a pivotal aspect of his potential future in the NFL, where expectations often soar higher, making a strong unit dynamic critical to success.
Competitive Spirit and Play Style
While Sam Leavitt may not possess the same physical stature as Ben Roethlisberger, his 6-foot-2 frame and agile mobility allow him to maintain an effective playing style. Both quarterbacks share a tendency to engage in plays that require them to evade defenders while simultaneously extending plays for their receivers. Ward noted, “He’s not afraid to take off downfield even if it means taking a lick from multiple defenders,” illustrating Leavitt’s fearlessness in the face of adversity.
Leavitt’s skill set also includes the ability to make throws on the run—an essential trait in modern quarterbacks, allowing them to adapt to dynamic game situations. Alongside this is an innate capability to at times forsake safe options, akin to Roethlisberger during his formative years. This competitive spirit leads to moments where Leavitt pushes boundaries in search of the big play, balancing risk and reward in pursuit of success. As he continues refining his approach to decision-making under pressure, his evolution as a quarterback may mirror that of Roethlisberger, who became renowned for his bold on-field antics.
Future NFL Prospects
Although Sam Leavitt is currently ineligible for the NFL Draft, anticipation is already building regarding his future prospects. If his career trajectory continues on its current path, NFL teams, particularly the Pittsburgh Steelers, may seriously consider him as they seek a long-term solution at the quarterback position. Given Hines Ward’s glowing assessment and deep-rooted connections to the Steelers organization, there would be no surprise if Leavitt garners significant attention when he eventually declares for the draft.
In considering his potential, scouts and analysts will undoubtedly focus on Leavitt’s development, versatility, and leadership abilities. As his collegiate career progresses, expectations will rise for continued improvement and consistency in performance. With Ward’s endorsement and bearing in mind Leavitt’s competitive nature, he stands poised to emerge as a prominent name in next year’s draft discussions, adding excitement to his future endeavors in professional football.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sam Leavitt is currently the starting quarterback for Arizona State University and has shown impressive potential. |
| 2 | Ward compares Leavitt’s competitive spirit and mentality to that of Ben Roethlisberger. |
| 3 | Leavitt demonstrates strong leadership qualities, holding teammates accountable and leading by example. |
| 4 | Leavitt exhibits a similar play style to Roethlisberger, including creativity under pressure and decision-making skills. |
| 5 | There is growing anticipation that Leavitt could be an attractive prospect for the NFL Draft in the coming years. |
Summary
The emerging talent of Sam Leavitt has not only captivated the college football scene but has also sparked comparisons to NFL great Ben Roethlisberger, particularly from former player Hines Ward. His blend of competitiveness, leadership, and distinctive play style places him in a favorable spotlight as he continues his collegiate career at Arizona State. With his promising trajectory, the football world will be watching closely, especially as he prepares for an eventual leap to professional play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is Sam Leavitt being compared to Ben Roethlisberger?
Sam Leavitt is being compared to Ben Roethlisberger due to his competitive spirit, leadership qualities, and similar play style that includes making plays under pressure and a fearlessness in driving the football down the field.
Question: What leadership traits does Leavitt exhibit?
Leavitt exhibits strong leadership traits by holding teammates accountable, leading by example, and being proactive in his approach, earning the respect of his peers on the team.
Question: When will Sam Leavitt be eligible for the NFL Draft?
Sam Leavitt will be eligible for the NFL Draft after completing his college football eligibility, which will likely be in a year as he is currently a sophomore at Arizona State University.
