Darius “Shaquille” Leonard: From Lake View, South Carolina, to the NFL

Before Darius “Shaquille” Leonard, aka “Maniac,” made a name for himself in the National Football League, he was a household name in the Lake View, South Carolina, community, where he attended Lake View High School. Since retiring from the NFL, he has returned to his hometown to coach at the same high school where it all started.

A 2013 graduate of Lake View, Leonard was a standout, two-sport athlete, excelling in both football and basketball. He finished his high school football career with 114 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and two interceptions. On the basketball court, he was known for his monster dunks, giving him his previous nickname, “Mr. High-Flyer.”

Leonard went on to play collegiately at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg. There he enjoyed an illustrious career, finishing as the all-time leader in tackles with 393. He also amassed 53.5 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and six interceptions. For his efforts at SC State, Leonard earned Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) first-team honors three seasons (2015-17) and was named both the MEAC Defensive and HBCU Defensive Player of the Year in both 2016 and 2017.

Leonard was selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, 36th overall, by the Indianapolis Colts. He spent seven seasons in the NFL (six with the Colts and one with the Philadelphia Eagles). Leonard earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year accolades in 2018, was a three-time first-team All-Pro (2018, 2020, 2021), a second-team All-Pro (2019), and named to the Pro Bowl three times (2019-2021). He retired from the NFL as a Colt in 2025.

During his time in the NFL, Leonard began hosting charity events in both Indianapolis and Lake View under his non-profit, Maniac Foundation. A few of the events hosted by the Maniac Foundation include back-to-school giveaways, Thanksgiving giveaways, and an annual Free football camp in his hometown.

During the 2025-26 season, Leonard returned to the sidelines at Lake View as an assistant coach with both the football and boys basketball teams. He was named the head boys basketball coach at his alma mater following the 2026 basketball season.

Being a coach at his alma mater is not the only thing that has kept his name relevant. He continually serves the community that raised him. Since returning to his hometown, he has opened a barber shop, Maniac Cutz, and a fitness center, aptly named Maniac’s Fitness, in Lake View.

Leonard provided some insight on how his high school career led to his current success.

Question: Most people know you as a standout professional football player, but during your time at Lake View High School, you were also known for your athleticism on the basketball court earning the previously mentioned nickname “Mr. High-Flyer.” At what point did you decide to focus primarily on football, and what influenced that decision?

Leonard: Going into my senior year at Lake View High School, I began receiving visits from college football coaches who recognized my potential and spoke with me about playing at the next level. Those conversations gave me confidence in my abilities which helped me realize that I had an opportunity to pursue football beyond high school if I continued to work hard and stay committed.

Question: Who did you look up to most while growing up, and what impact did that person have on your life, both on and off the field?

Leonard: My brother, Anthony Waters, has been the biggest influence in my life. He was a father figure in our house and taught me the importance of hard work, discipline and competing at a high level. He always emphasized never asking for handouts, giving maximum effort in everything I do, and approaching every challenge with positive energy. Most importantly, he taught me to keep pushing forward regardless of the obstacles or circumstances I faced.

Question: Looking back on your days at Lake View High School, what did you enjoy most about being a student-athlete?

Leonard: [I enjoyed having] the opportunity to carry on the legacy established before me. Wearing the blue and gold meant representing something much bigger than myself. Every time I stepped onto the field, I understood that I was representing my school, my teammates, my coaches, and everyone who had come before us. That sense of pride inspired me to give my best effort every day.

Question: You have come full circle and are now coaching at your alma mater. Did you always envision returning to Lake View in a coaching role after your playing career, or was that something that developed over time?

Leonard: Yes. It was always one of my goals to finish my playing career and return to help coach the next generation of athletes. While I was playing college football, I began coaching high school football, and that experience confirmed my passion for coaching. Being back on the sidelines at Lake View, mentoring young players and watching them develop both on and off the field, gave me a genuine love for helping others succeed.

Question: If you had to describe your high school years as a student-athlete at Lake View in just one word, what would it be and why?

Leonard: If I had to describe myself as a high schooler in one word, it would be resilient. Throughout my journey as a student- athlete, I experienced both successes and setbacks, but I remained committed to pushing through every challenge. Resilience has allowed me to continue striving to become the best version of myself, both on the field and in life, no matter what obstacles stood in my way.

Romanda Noble-Watson is director of communications and public relations for the South Carolina High School League. She is a member of the High School Today Publications Committee. She can be reached at romanda@schsl.org.