Nordhoff Kicker Leach Signs to Play for Delaware

Nordhoff High kicker Sean Leach has signed a letter of intent with Delaware, after he said the Fightin Blue Hens’ coaching staff promised to make him the No. 1 kicker and punter next season.

Leach drew interest from Notre Dame, Syracuse, Oregon, Kansas State and several lower division schools. Washington invited him to walk on next fall. But Delaware was the only school to offer a full scholarship to Leach, named to the all-state medium schools division team by Cal-Hi Sports. USA Today ranked him second in the country among punters.

Leach said the Fighting Irish told him he was their No. 1 choice but later opted to “stick with Brian Ford.”

Ford, who will be a sophomore next season, was given a scholarship by the Irish after he transferred from Vanderbilt.

Leach made seven of 11 field-goal attempts, 33 of 37 extra points and had a 44.7-yard punting average, including a 77-yarder.

“I like the people and the campus at Delaware,” Leach said. “It’s a good atmosphere. Plus, they promised me I would punt and kick for four years, where at Notre Dame I’d always have to compete for a job.”