Notre Dame star signal caller Riley Leonard could be biggest wildcard in college football heading into the fall

At this time last year, former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard was coming off a stellar campaign for the Blue Devils, which included 3,666 total yards and 33 touchdowns. Leonard did that while being careful with the football, throwing just six interceptions on the season. That season gained Leonard a lot of notoriety, especially in NFL Draft circles. He was viewed as a sleeper heading into the 2023 season.

After a strong early start to the year, Leonard was being talked about as a legitimate 2024 NFL Draft prospect, even being projected in the first round by some. Notre Dame fans know how the rest of the story goes from there. Leonard hurt his ankle during the Blue Devils match up against the Irish, which would be the beginning of the end for his junior campaign. The Alabama native was left to rehab that ankle and foot injury, and ponder his future.

The next step would lead Leonard to the transfer portal, eventually landing with Notre Dame. The 6, 3 ⅝”, 212-pound signal caller now has a lot of expectations on him for his lone season in South Bend. The Irish appear ready to make a deep run, potentially making some noise in the 12-team playoff.

If they do, Leonard will be a big reason for it. It will begin with Leonard’s ability to throw the football. He has a bigger frame, easy compact delivery and a live arm to work multiple levels of the field. Even when Leonard isn’t perfectly in rhythm, Leonard has the arm talent to get the ball out with easy velocity.

The thing that makes Leonard special, however, is his legs. Having been clocked as fast as 4.52 seconds in the forty-yard dash last offseason by scouts, that dynamic Leonard brings to the table is special. Having the ability to work with offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is extremely exciting. Leonard has the dynamic to make the wrong play right more often than not.

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