Being a college athlete for some means being a leader on the court or field. For others, it means setting a good example for the entire community too.

“Knowing that I can have an impact on their lives, it means a lot to me," said Syracuse running back LeQuint Allen. 

Allen, a junior running back, is a huge reason why Syracuse football is 5-1, leading all SU skill players in touches and touchdowns. This year, he’s taking on even more of a role as one of the leaders on the team. 

“I feel as though I wanted to be a leader all my life, and now I get a chance to do that," he said. "Just being an impact to kids, my teammates and the whole Syracuse, I just want to do good by them.”

He’s a guy who leads by example. His four-touchdown game against UNLV with an injured leg is the perfect example. On Tuesday, he talked to some high school athletes about how to be a good leader.

“It means a lot to me, you know, just to take time out of my day and come out here and talk to the kids, just to let them know they’re still on right track," Allen said. "Everything they see on TV, they’re right there just keep taking it step by step, and they’re gonna be there."

“I think that he’s actually very insightful for how young he is for a leader," said Liam Allen, a three-sport athlete at Manlius Pebble Hill. 

He said talking to Allen motivated him to be even better moving forward.

“I think I’m gonna work twice as hard in practices now and in my workouts by myself. I’m gonna keep the intensity as high as possible and keep moving until I can’t anymore," he said.

It was exactly the kind of impact Allen was hoping to make.

“I hope to leave determination," Allen said. "Just, the will of failure in your mind, don’t ignore it, just continue to take step by step. And even if it takes long, you’ll eventually get there and be who you want to be.”