(Aug. 2, 1919 – May 18, 1992) Jake Leicht is one of the football program’s stars of the 1940s, who didn’t start his career in Eugene until age 26.
Born in North Dakota in 1919, Leicht reached the Ducks in 1945 as a 60-minute player, starring as a halfback, kick returner and defensive back.

In his first year, he was named All-American after posting 10 interceptions, including three in a game against California and three in a game against Washington State. He also led the team in rushing with 411 yards, passing with 376 yards and punt return yards with 322 on a 3-6 team. The Washington Redskins drafted him in the eighth round in 1946, but he returned to play two more years for the Ducks.

In his third season, Leicht led the Pacific Coast Conference in rushing with 630 yards, scoring with 56 points as the team went 7-3 with Norm Van Brocklin at quarterback. He finished his career with 1,253 rushing yards, and is still fourth on the all-time team list with 980 punt return yards. He’s still second on the all-time list for interceptions with 17.

Leicht then moved to the Baltimore Colts of the All-America Football Conference.
His pro career spanned 26 games in which he had 26 carries and 13 receptions.