Riley Leonard has become a name to watch in college football, especially after his remarkable final season at Notre Dame. As he gears up for the NFL Draft, the spotlight is on his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a runner. With a total of 2,861 passing yards and 21 touchdowns, alongside 906 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, Leonard led the Fighting Irish to a thrilling national championship appearance this past season. But as he prepares for the next level, questions linger about his effectiveness as a pocket passer.
Preparing for the NFL Draft
The next two months are crucial for Leonard. He understands that proving himself as a pocket passer is essential for his draft stock. While he dazzled fans with his playmaking ability, he knows that the NFL demands a different skill set. “I think I have a lot to prove the next few months,” Leonard shared during an interview at the Senior Bowl. “I’m a whatever-it-takes-to-win type of guy, and I think being able to use my legs in college helped my team win, so that’s what I did. If that means staying in the pocket, I’ve got to work on some mechanical winds. Anything I put my mind to, I think I can accomplish.”
Leonard’s journey has not been without its challenges. He showcased his dual-threat ability throughout the season, but it was during the national championship game against Ohio State that he truly shined as a passer. After halftime, he completed 17 of 23 passes for 209 yards and two touchdowns, igniting a Fighting Irish comeback that ultimately fell just short. Despite the strong finish, Leonard acknowledges the need for improvement.
Lessons from the Manning Passing Academy
As he prepares for the Senior Bowl, Leonard is drawing on valuable lessons learned from the Manning Passing Academy. Last June, he had the opportunity to learn from two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Peyton and Eli Manning. “The biggest takeaway that I took was how intentional Peyton and Eli, who are all-time quarterbacks, took every single kid at that camp,” Leonard explained. “For those that don’t know, about 2,000 kids go to Thibodaux, Louisiana in the middle of the summer, the hottest weekend of the year, by far. And Peyton and Eli spend time with every single kid at that camp.”
This experience taught Leonard the importance of humility and connection, qualities he aims to embody as he transitions to the professional level. “It kind of reminds me of the bible verse I wear on my wrist, Matthew 23:12, ‘Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ I tried to show it off in the natty, but it was a little blurry, so for anybody wondering, that’s what I was showing off,” he said.
Building on Success
Leonard’s journey has been marked by success, but he knows that the road ahead is filled with challenges. His impressive statistics speak volumes about his talent, but he is aware that the NFL is a different beast. “Shoutout to my offensive line and my receivers in the second half there. They all balled out and made me look good,” he humbly remarked, acknowledging the support he received from his teammates.
As he prepares for the Senior Bowl, which will serve as a critical platform to showcase his skills, Leonard is focused on refining his mechanics and demonstrating his ability to lead from the pocket. The pressure is on, but he embraces it. “I’m excited to show what I can do,” he said, radiating confidence.
The Road Ahead
With the NFL Draft approaching, Leonard’s performance at the Senior Bowl will be pivotal. Scouts will be watching closely to see if he can translate his college success into a professional setting. The dual-threat quarterback has the potential to be a game-changer, but it will depend on his ability to adapt and grow.
As he reflects on his college career, Leonard is grateful for the experiences that shaped him. He has not only developed as a player but also as a person. “I learned a lot of life lessons and the things that I care most about, they definitely fulfill. They’re great role models to me,” he said of the Mannings.
In the world of college football, Riley Leonard is a name that fans and scouts alike should keep an eye on. His journey is just beginning, and the excitement surrounding his potential is palpable. Will he rise to the occasion and prove himself as a top prospect in the upcoming draft? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Riley Leonard is ready to make his mark.
