Carolina Panthers’ Eku Leota showing promise on the edge

The Carolina Panthers have been looking to help Jadeveon Clowney with their edge rush, and there have been some pleasant surprises so far during training camp. Eku Leota has been one player that has shown the ability to make plays and bring a spark.

Leota has looked good during camp and played well in last Thursday’s preseason game against New England. Head coach Dave Canales was excited by Leota’s play. “The effort was there,” stated Canales. He felt like Leota’s “style of play was fantastic."

Leota was asked following practice recently why he feels like his play on the field has improved. “I'm able to communicate better and just play faster,” Leota said. “The coaches being able to coach me up and just come out here and fixing my mistakes as well. So that's been a big positive throughout the year.” He expanded on what parts of his technique he has improved. “Just playing,” stated Leota. “Having better eyes is really what I've been trying to work on. Just looking at my keys and that will help me play faster.”

Leota described what impressions he tries to leave on the coaches each time he takes the field. “I just always play hard,” Leota noted. “This is the NFL, you know, the effort should always be the number one. It should be the standard. But just trying to be consistent and improve every day is my goal. And just trying to stack days as well.”

Carolina has been pleasantly surprised by Leota since OTAs. He has been around the ball and giving energy all summer. With this new coaching staff, he may get his chance to show the rest of the league what he can do. Regardless of when that time comes, Leota will be ready, willing, and able.