Leroy Roker spent his sophomore and junior years of high school tearing up the gridiron and court at Canterbury High School in Fort Myers. His first love and main sport at the time was basketball.
Football was just something to keep him active in the off-season.
In 2023, Roker transferred to Bishop Verot for his final year of high school.
“He came in, really, as a blank slate, was willing to learn and do what it took," Bishop Verot football head coach Richie Rode said.
He began the football season with zero scholarship offers. However, just four months later, he had numerous Division I, Power 4 schools begging for his commitment.
“We’re very fortunate that the recruiting did take off," Rode said. "For whatever reason, he was under the radar, but we’re glad it worked out.”
Thanks to a stellar senior season, Roker committed to Ohio State. In his first season in Columbus, the former Cougar and Viking is headed to the college football national championship.
“Ever since I started watching football, I always wanted to be a part of something special like this," Roker said.
Dreams are becoming a reality for Roker. Just one year into his college career, he's already a member of a top-ranked team that has played in and won some huge games like the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl.
“I just step on the field, and I’m like, 'Wow, I’m really here; this is crazy,'” Roker said, recalling his emotions during those playoff games.
Being a true freshman, Roker has not played this year. However, he has been traveling with the team to the away games, which is not a guarantee for all players, especially freshmen. He has used this season as an opportunity to learn from the All-Big Ten and All-American level players ahead of him.
“How focused and locked in they are, whether it be in practice or meetings," Roker said were the biggest lessons he has learned this season.
Now, Roker will use those lessons to represent Southwest Florida in the national championship.
“I love my people back home," Roker said. "I’m just glad they’re with me every step of the way.”
As for a prediction, Roker is pretty confident in his Buckeyes.
“I’m expecting a win," Roker said. "I’m expecting us to hoist that trophy up after the game.”
Roker joins Peter Simmons as the second Bishop Verot alum to play in the college football national championship in as many years. Simmons suited up for the eventual national champ, Michigan, in the 2024 title game.
Ohio State takes on Notre Dame in the 2025 college football national championship in Atlanta, Georgia, on Monday, Jan. 20.