Jalen Mcleod
Career Summary
Jalen McLeod is an edge defender from Washington, D.C., who played college football at Appalachian State and Auburn.
Section reviewed
Early Life
McLeod is from Washington, D.C., where he attended Friendship Collegiate Academy.
Section reviewed
High School
At Friendship Collegiate Academy, McLeod helped win D.C. Interscholastic Athletic Association championships. As a senior, he recorded 60 tackles, 10 sacks, five forced fumbles and four interceptions.
Section reviewed
College Career
McLeod began at Appalachian State, where he played 30 games and produced 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks. After transferring to Auburn in 2023, he became a two-year starter at Jack/Buck and totaled 106 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks across two seasons.
Section reviewed
Path to the NFL
McLeod's college path began with a first scholarship offer from Appalachian State and continued through a transfer to Auburn, where he developed into a productive SEC edge defender.
Section reviewed
Career Accomplishments
McLeod received third-team All-Sun Belt recognition in 2022 and was SEC Defensive Player of the Week, Bednarik Award Player of the Week and a PFF national team-of-the-week selection after Auburn's 2023 Arkansas game. In 2024, he led Auburn with 13.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks.
Section reviewed
Playing Style
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 236 pounds, McLeod played Buck/edge for Auburn. He described a high-motor style built around pursuing plays and using an underdog mentality.
Section reviewed
31003, 00-0040209, 2002-06-05, Jalen Mcleod, Jalen, Mcleod
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 0.0
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.