Riley

Leonard

Leonard (6’4/216) spent the first three years of his career at Duke and was inserted as the Blue Devils’ starter for the 2022 season. In his first year as a starter, Leonard threw for 2,951-20-6 while adding another 776 rushing yards (not including yards lost on sacks) and 13 touchdowns on the ground. He had a down 2023 campaign, throwing for just 1,102-3-3 in seven games before missing the rest of the year due to an ankle injury, but Leonard was back in the saddle in 2024 for Notre Dame in what was his first and only season with the Irish. Leonard’s athleticism is easy to see on tape, and he has plenty of size to work with in the pocket and while on the move. He’s a conservative passer, which is concerning when considering his 63.4 career completion percentage, but did complete a career-best 46.5 percent of his deep attempts in 2024, per PFF, which ranked ninth best amongst Power Five QBs last season (min. 30 attempts). Leonard has plenty of work to do as a passer, but his athleticism will make him an interesting prospect. Those traits also make him a fitting backup to Anthony Richardson. He will start his career as the QB3 for Indy behind both Richardson and Daniel Jones.

“I think he has a lot to work with. He’s a great athlete,” the anonymous coordinator said. “Really good basketball player. Smart. Really tough.” Leonard, who began his collegiate career at Duke before transferring to Notre Dame in 2024, threw 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season while scoring 17 touchdowns on the ground along with 906 rushing yards. He easily led all college QBs in EPA per rush last year. An NFL scouting director told the publication, “I don’t know if Leonard gets enough credit for his toughness. I thought he did such a good job of getting his team as far as he got them, and at the combine, he looked confident and comfortable out there playing quarterback.” Leonard, who turns 23 in September, is at best a Day Three draft selection who would likely have to fight for a roster spot as a rookie.

Redshirt senior Gunnar Holmberg started Thursday’s game against Louisville, but was benched midway through the third quarter with 42-9. Leonard (6'4/205) came on in relief of Holmberg and completed 100% of his passes, while also leading the Blue Devils to two touchdown drives in limited action. His biggest play on the evening came on a 35-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 48-22. Duke’s chances of winning this one were already well out of reach, but Leonard made his case for starting next weekend’s season-finale against Miami (FL).