#14 Ben Leard was a poised, athletic Quarterback for the Auburn Tigers (1996 to 2000). A 1996 graduate of Hart County High School in Hartwell, Georgia went on to play quarterback for Auburn. After two years under the tutelage of Dameyune Craig, Ben was a three-year starter who specialized in reading and diagnosing plays well, hanging tough under the rush, a drop back passer with good anticipation and a snappy release. During his college days, Leard made reads confidently and threw timing patterns well. He could handle the pressure and rarely was rattled.

Overall, Leard ranks fifth on the school's career-record list with 359 completions of 592 passes and 28 touch- downs...Sixth on the Tigers' all-time charts with 4,289 yards passing and an average of 7.25 yards per pass attempt. His pass completion percentage of .606 is surpassed only by Jeff Burger (61.5%, 1984-87). Ben still holds the record for most passing yards in a game (416 vs. UGA ’99) and second most passing yards in a game (394 vs. UM ‘2001). He also maintains the record for highest completion percentage in a season boasting a 70.7% rating in 1999. In the 1999 season Ben also set a single season record with 151 attempts without an interception. He was elected permanent team captain as a senior in 2000 as well as awarded the honor of First Team All SEC in 2000. Along with Jesse Palmer, Ben led the South to a victory over the North in the 2001 Senior Bowl.

Currently, Ben is an account executive for J. Smith Lanier & Co. in Opelika, Alabama where he is responsible for the handling larger commercial property/casualty insurance programs for businesses across the country. Formerly the co-owner of the Cook, Norris, Leard Allstate Agency in Opelika, Ben has been in sales for eight years. Five years in pharmaceutical sales as a field sales rep as well as the company's Southeast Regional Field Sales Trainer, and three being here in Opelika in insurance sales. His career path includes his dedication to his professional as well as personal growth and development. Before moving to Opelika in January, Ben was a board member for the Morgan County Boys and Girls Club. He participates in many charity events and speaking engagements, ranging from FCA events to those benefiting the Big Oak Boys Ranch. Ben has been married for seven years to his wife Melanie. They have three daughters Marley (4), Aubrey (2), and Peyton (2). Ben is a firm believer that his experiences on the field prepared him to be both a successful business person as well as a positive role model for his daughters and others.