Recently, the University of Notre Dame announced that former Duke quarterback Riley Leonard has transferred to the school. This is a huge move for the Fighting Irish, as Leonard is a highly-touted prospect who could make an immediate impact on the team.
Leonard was a four-year starter at Duke, where he threw for 8,814 yards and 63 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,039 yards and 14 touchdowns. During his time at Duke, Leonard was named the ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 and was a two-time All-ACC selection. He also led the Blue Devils to three bowl appearances, including a win in the 2018 Quick Lane Bowl.
Notre Dame is hoping that Leonard will be able to provide a spark to their offense. The Fighting Irish have been searching for a reliable quarterback since the departure of Brandon Wimbush in 2018. With Leonard, they have a proven leader who can help them take the next step and compete for a national championship.
Leonard will have to sit out the 2020 season due to NCAA transfer rules, but he will be eligible to play in 2021. He will have two years of eligibility remaining and will compete with Ian Book and Drew Pyne for the starting job.
This is a great move for Notre Dame and could pay huge dividends in the future. Leonard is a proven leader and playmaker who could help the Fighting Irish reach their goals of competing for a national championship. It will be exciting to see what he can do when he takes the field in 2021.
