Actually, there is a set of leaves before there is a root, within the seed
. A seed holds the cotyledon (the little first set of leaves). The cotyledon absorbs food from the endosperm. Enough food to get itself free of the seed and above the soil line. Shortly thereafter, the plant is hungry. With the cotyledon leaves now above the ground, the plant can absorb light to make energy. Through the whole process,even before the sprout, leaves are involved. With no leaves, no growth.
Wait a few days and the root system will not look healthy.
Reveg is your best bet if you are really wanting to keep the genetics.