Riley Leonard reveals concern level over returning to Orange Bowl after concussion evaluation

Riley Leonard fought through a myriad of difficulties to lead Notre Dame to a 27-24 victory over Penn State on Thursday evening, securing the Fighting Irish a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

One of those challenges included having to be evaluated for a concussion late in the first half while driving against the Nittany Lions defense. Leonard had to come out of the game, and backup Steve Angeli helped Notre Dame secure three points before halftime.

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Leonard was of course cleared and returned to the game, leading Notre Dame to a second half comeback and the victory, but he took some time to elaborate on the concern level and the situation as a whole when the dust was settling on his team’s win.

“I think our medical support team, first and foremost, did a really good job,” Leonard said, regarding having to be checked for a concussion late in the second quarter, via his postgame press conference. “Got up a little wobbly. That’s an indicator that they’ve got to bring me to the tent. Take me through all the concussion tests. We went through all the tests. They decided I was good to go back. We definitely took our time, and they evaluated my numbers from this summer, when I took a brain test, to what I performed in the test. So, passed that.

“Steve Angeli. This is a guy who’s kind of waited his turn. Prepared like he was the starting quarterback every single week. Showed a lot of maturity. He helps me out every single week. He’s a guy on the sideline who knows exactly what the defense is doing, and he’s a good friend of mine. I appreciate him a lot. For him to go in, drive them down the field, three points before half. That was big.”

All told, Leonard completed 15-of-his-23 pass attempts for 223 yards and touchdown while throwing two interceptions. He also recorded 35 rushing yards and a score on 18 carries.

The Notre Dame quarterback wasn’t satisfied with his performance in the win, he did enough to lead his team to a victory, and they’ll have one final shot at ending the season on top. That’s all you can ask for in his position.