Leftridge averaged 11 yards per carry in wining Class AA All-State honors. He scored two touchdowns and averaged 5.8 yards per rush as a freshman. In 1962, Leftridge became the first African-American football player at WVU when he accepted his scholarship offer.

He was the top rusher in 1963, gaining 393 yards with an average of five yards per carry. Leftridge caught 10 passes and scored seven touchdowns his sophomore year. His best game was 79 yards and two touchdowns against George Washington. He made the All-Southern Conference second team, the first African-American to be named to such honor. In 1964 (junior year) he rushed 125 times for 534 yards with a 4.3 average. He was the team's leading rusher in 1963 and 1964 and considered a pioneer, a hitter, and a performer.