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Marcus Freeman shares why he thinks Riley Leonard is ready for College Football Playoff

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•12/18/24•

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Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Marcus Freeman knows his quarterback, Riley Leonard, is ready for the big stage of the College Football Playoff.

Leonard’s been in some big games while at Duke, but it’s a different level now at Notre Dame. The Irish take on Indiana Friday night in a first round game, the first in College Football Playoff history.

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But Leonard’s steadily improved throughout the season and he could be saving his best for last.

“I think Riley is a reflection of our entire program,” Freeman said. “We all believe there’s room to get better. You talk about reaching full potential, every person in that program, including me, has room to elevate, to get better. And that’s what I hope that statement means. He’s played really well in a lot of games and a lot of big games, but he knows he has room to improve, as do I, and so what we have to do is now put the work in that it takes to take that next step in elevation, you know? And that’s what he’s focused on. That’s what we’re all focused on.”

This year, Leonard has been efficient. He has 2,092 yards, 16 touchdowns, five interceptions, a 66.2% completion percentage (career high), 721 rushing yards (career high) and 14 rushing touchdowns (career high).

As a member of the Class of 2021, Leonard was a three-star recruit out of Fairhope (Ala.) High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 16 overall prospect in the state, the No. 36 quarterback in the class and the No. 419 overall prospect in the class.

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“I have more confidence now than I ever have in my career,” Leonard said, via Blue and Gold. “I’m throwing the ball better now than I ever have in my career. My body feels good, too. I’m very ready.”

Leonard has quite the effect on his teammates as well.

“He gets better every week,” Notre Dame sophomore safety Adon Shuler said. “Even at practice, he’s making way better throws than he was making in camp. Each week you see him develop and get better. As a teammate, it’s like, ‘Ooooo. OK.’“The way he’s understanding the game and the relationship he has with Coach [Mike] Denbrock, everybody in the building sees that. It’s really good.”