Former University of Maryland football star Javon Leake, known for his electrifying playing style, left school early for the NFL Draft but is now back at the university pursuing his bachelor’s degree in communication. Maryland allows former scholarship student-athletes to re-enroll and finish their degrees while continuing their scholarship, a program referred to as the "guaranteed Maryland way."

By the Numbers
  • Leake was named the Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year and earned First Team All-Big Ten honors as a return specialist in 2019.
  • He led the CFL in 2023 with four punt return touchdowns and 1,216 punt return yards, setting a new franchise mark for the Argonauts.
State of Play
  • Former Maryland football stars like Keandre Jones and Stefon Diggs have also shown interest in returning to finish their degrees, reflecting the value of the program's academic support.
  • Leake is planning to re-enroll for the 2024 fall semester to continue his education while pursuing his football career in the CFL.
Bottom Line

Javon Leake's decision to return to the University of Maryland for his degree highlights the university's commitment to supporting the academic endeavors of its former student-athletes, emphasizing the long-term importance of education alongside athletic accomplishments.