MR. SMITH SIGNS WITH PURDUE!

First-year FC wideout Leland Smith made his choice on Wednesday signing with Purdue University.

Family, teammates, friends, faculty, and staff came out to celebrate Leland as he announced his decision.

In the last few months, Miami, Mississippi State, Temple, and Purdue, came calling for Leland's skillset ultimately signing with the Boilermakers. 

Playing one season for Fullerton College this past fall, Leland made an immediate impact on the team helping the Hornets to an undefeated conference title (7-0). He led FC in in touchdown receptions (9) and receiving yardage (655) while earning 1st Team All-SCFA Southern Conference honors. A 6-5 bounce-back from TCU, Leland also had 29 receptions in 9 games played.

When it didn't work out at TCU heading into his freshman season, the 6-5 native Texan found himself at a crossroads on what to do next. After meeting with head coach Garrett Campbell, Leland took a chance on Fullerton College, and it worked out very well.

"I first met Leland at Hornet Field House, and I quickly learned that he came to Fullerton College, because he was betting on himself. He left a bigtime D1 football program to come take his chances here- he believed in himself, and he bet on himself, and won", FC Athletic Director Scott Giles.

"The importance of putting in the hard work day and in and out is what impressed me the most about Leland. He was willing to put it all out there. The thing I'd like to highlight is his resilience and how he grew from week one until the end of the season. Yes, he's a great athlete, but his resilient nature is going to take him to more great things in life", said Coach Garrett Campbell.

Congratulations Leland! Once a Hornet, Always a Hornet.