The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are ready to begin the 2024 season with talented Duke transfer Riley Leonard at quarterback.
Leonard is a dual-threat QB who should take the Notre Dame offense to another level. He should thrive in OC Mike Denbrock’s offense.
Leonard injured his right ankle in Duke’s loss last season to Notre Dame. He was injured when sacked by Irish defensive lineman Howard Cross.
Leonard tried to rest the ankle for two weeks instead of getting surgery, but he re-injured it against Florida State and missed the remainder of the season.
Leonard played in seven games last season completing 57 percent of his passes with 3 touchdown passes and 3 interceptions. He rushed for 352 yards and scored 4 touchdowns.
The 2022 season was Leonard’s best season, when he completed 63 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns. He rushed for 13 touchdowns and 699 yards.
Leonard underwent a second surgery on his right ankle in mid-March that corrected a developing stress fracture.
The Fighting Irish are fully stocked with talent at the QB position behind Leonard with Steve Angeli and Kenny Minchey.
It’s a good thing for Notre Dame to be deep at the position with Leonard coming off an injury-shortened season and a spring where he didn’t really practice at all.
This will be Head Coach Marcus Freeman’s third season at the helm of Notre Dame and QB Riley Leonard is ready to lead a talented Fighting Irish squad.
Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard. Photo courtesy of Jeff Douglas, Inside ND Sports
