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A plaque in the halls of Robinson Secondary School helped convince Tristan Leigh that a path from Fairfax to the NFL was possible. Now, after five seasons on Clemson’s offensive line, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound lineman is preparing for the 2026 NFL draft.
The plaque honored Jordan Stanton, a former James Madison University defensive end who signed with the New York Giants as a free agent in 2014. Leigh saw it every day as a student and viewed it as proof that someone from his high school could reach professional football.
“That was a reminder for me that you can do this here,” Leigh said.
Leigh is among hundreds of college players hoping to hear their names called during the draft in Pittsburgh. He is projected as a possible third-day selection in the later rounds after appearing in 42 games and logging 2,202 snaps at Clemson.
Since the 2025 season ended, Leigh has concentrated on staying in shape and attracting the attention of NFL teams. He participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl and met with several organizations, including the Tennessee Titans and Kansas City Chiefs.
He said his message to teams has come “from the heart”: He wants a chance to demonstrate both his ability and his love for football.
Built for the offensive line
Football was part of Leigh’s life from an early age. His father, Stan Leigh, played running back at Virginia in the early 1990s and told his son stories about the physical side of playing high school football.
Tristan also competed in soccer, basketball and swimming, but he was not allowed to play tackle football until seventh grade. A growth spurt early in high school soon gave him the size of a lineman.
Scott Vossler, then the head coach at Robinson, said Leigh combined that size with unusually quick feet and the athletic ability to compete alongside strong basketball players.
Leigh also embraced the less glamorous work of creating opportunities for teammates. Vossler said his team-first approach helped the Rams average 380 rushing yards per game during one season.
“I take pride in doing the hard work and grabbing that hard hat and getting to work,” Leigh said. Playing on the offensive line, he added, allows him to create opportunities and joy for others in a physical and enjoyable way.
By the end of his Robinson career, Leigh had become a five-star recruit and a school ambassador. Vossler said coaches and teachers could point to their most decorated player as an example of the work ethic, conduct and personality they wanted other students to emulate.
Waiting for the call
Since completing his pro day, Leigh has remained focused on training. He plans to watch the draft in Florida with his family and agent.
A selection would bring a celebration, but Leigh said his attention would quickly turn to rookie camp. Wherever he lands, he wants to show immediately that the team made the right investment and can rely on him every day.
Before the season, Leigh hopes to return to the D.C. area to visit friends, relatives and Robinson’s next generation of players.
Vossler, now the football coach at Westfield High School in Chantilly, said Leigh’s continued commitment to giving back should appeal to any NFL organization. Seeing his former player on television on Sundays would be special, he said, but Leigh’s character has already made him proud.