Mike Elko explains why Riley Leonard is a special quarterback

Early in the Mike Elko era, Duke has stability at the quarterback position. Riley Leonard is returning for another year in Durham and has high expectations surrounding him. The nine wins from last season have a chance to be bettered, especially if Leonard is able to elevate his game to the next level.

Leonard has done more than just play well on the field, though. Elko says he has emerged as a true leader of the program. Success last season certainly helped, with fellow Duke players understanding they have a path toward winning. However, Leonard’s personality fits the role as well, doing a lot of work when nobody is paying attention.

“He’s a kid with a tremendous work ethic,” Elko said at the 2023 ACC Football Kickoff. “I think one of the things people don’t know is much how he does behind the scenes to make himself and our program better. Now, with the success he had last year, being the established quarterback, I just think that gives him a certain level of respect in the locker room.”

When you perform the way Leonard did during the 2022 season, it’s easy to see why Duke players are respecting him. He completed nearly 64% of throws for 2,967 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just six interceptions.

Barring the touchdown total, Leonard bettered the 2018 season from now-New York Giants franchise quarterback Daniel Jones. Not something that Duke has come around and in the program too often.

Saying your quarterback has the respect of the locker room can be one thing. But Elko was able to provide examples of Duke players following the steps of Leonard as they prepare for the 2023 season. If QB1 wants to get some work in, the Blue Devils are showing up.

“When he says ‘We’re getting together and having a meeting’ everyone is there,” Elko said. “When he says ‘We’re going to do a throw session’ everyone is there. I think those things mean a lot. He’s really embraced that role and I think it’s a big part of being a quarterback.”

Leonard is receiving love from more than his head coach and teammates. On3’s Matt Zenitz laid out why he might be the best quarterback in the ACC not named Drake Maye. People believe by the time the 2023 season is over, there is going to be serious buzz surrounding Leonard’s name and the NFL Draft.