SKILLMAN, N.J. - University of South Alabama junior Daniel Leitner (Niderfischbach, Germany) begins the 2014 spring season as No. 117 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men's Tennis Singles Rankings released Jan. 2.

Leitner is the first Jaguar to earn a preseason spring ranking since Jack Baker in 2008.

"Starting the year ranked in the top 125 is already a step ahead of Daniel's position at this time last year," said USA head coach Nick Brochu. "It is a long season until the NCAA tournament. Because of our strong schedule Daniel will have plenty of opportunities to climb the rankings, reach the top 50 and qualify for the NCAA's. He needs to stay focused and keep on working hard."

He claimed the No. 50 spot in the fall preseason rankings and led South Alabama with a 7-4 overall mark.

After posting a 21-9 record overall, Leitner finished the 2013 season at No. 74 in the ITA rankings. Leitner was 4-2 against nationally-ranked opponents and went 11-5 at the No. 1 spot. He also claimed a Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week award and was named to the 2013 All-Sun Belt Conference Men's Tennis Team in singles.

The Jaguars open their spring schedule Jan. 11 against Florida A&M.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

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