He’s a third grader from Highland Park in Dallas, Texas. He’s already won a state championship. And he did it as the youngest kid in the tournament.
Meet Drew Leatherman, Class of 2035 — a young quarterback whose game is years ahead of his age, and whose mindset might be even further along than that.
Playing Up, Standing Out
Ask Drew about his proudest moment and he doesn’t hesitate: leading his team to a Texas state championship while being the youngest player in the field. It’s the kind of accomplishment that would headline most résumés. For Drew, it’s just one chapter.
He’s been playing for about four years already, and in that time he’s done something most kids his age never attempt — playing up nearly two grade levels against, as he puts it, “what was at the time the #1 team in the country.” For a player still in elementary school, that’s not just competing. That’s chasing the toughest test he can find.
The Mindset of a Pro
What sets Drew apart isn’t only the trophies — it’s how he talks about the game. His approach reads like a veteran’s:
“Listening to my coaches, let the game come to me and take what the defense gives me. Get a little better every day — a little smarter, a little stronger, a little faster. Don’t get mad at your teammates or yourself. Stay positive.”
That’s the philosophy of a kid who understands that development is a daily grind, not a single highlight. When asked what he loves most about football, the answer is just as telling: leading his team and helping his teammates succeed.
Following Mahomes
Like a lot of young quarterbacks, Drew looks up to Patrick Mahomes — and not only for the arm. “I admire that he is nice,” Drew says. “He is physical and fast.” It’s a fitting role model for a player who already blends competitiveness with character.
What’s Next
Drew’s goals are clear and ambitious: another state championship, a Zorts #1 ranking for the third year in a row, and — in his own words — to “fill his ring box.”
Guided by coaches Craig LeBlanc, Jose, and Jesse, Drew Leatherman is one to watch. The Class of 2035 is a long way out. But if his first four years are any indication, the wait will be worth it.
