Solon Football Player Makes 1st Team All-Ohio Defense

SOLON, OH — Nate Leskovec is only a junior at Solon High School, but his accomplishments are already causing trophy shelves to overflow. The 6'3, 230 pound defensive linemen for the Comets added another impressive award to his accolades this week when he was named First Team All-Ohio Defense.

Leskovec, a team captain for the Comets, had 89 tackles this past season, 34 for a loss. He also caused two fumbles during the season.

His staggering 34 tackles for a loss is the second most tallied by a Comet in school history, behind only Aleksey Tigay, who had 37 TFLs in 2005.

"He's relentless. He has a high motor. He can run from sideline to sideline," said Solon Comets Football Coach Jim McQuaide. "He’s one of those guys that is one of the nicest and calmest guys you would know off the field. But he can turn it on for the field. He’s one of the toughest and nastiest players on the field."

McQuaide was quick to note that Leskovec isn't just a leader on the gridiron. He's also an incredible student. Leskovec had at least a 3.5 GPA during 2017's first grading period.

"He’s a great young man. He’s a tremendous student. He works just as hard in the classroom as he does at football," McQuaide told Patch.

Earlier this year Leskovec was named First-Team All-Stars for the Greater Cleveland Conference.

While the junior has piled up the awards for his play this season, McQuaide says Leskovec would accept the recognition with humility.

"He would tell you it’s a team award," the coach said.

"We always talk to our guys about how the sport of football is so team oriented. It’s the one sport where every play, there are 11 guys relying on you. If one of us gets recognized, we all get recognized. You can’t do anything in this game by yourself," McQuaide added.

Still, the coach says he's extremely proud of Leskovec and his play this past season. He notes that Leskovec is a three-year starter, a rarity for a junior. Scholarship offers have already rolled in for the team captain.

For now, Leskovec and the Comets will enjoy their post-season accolades and turn their attention to next season.

Still, the junior may need a new trophy shelf soon.

Photos from Solon Schools