Leonard Moore has long been known as the "megastar" defensive back for the Notre Dame football team. The sophomore corner got another boost to that reputation on Thursday morning when he was named among the four finalists for the Bronco Nagurski award.
The Bronco Nagurski award is given to the nation's best defender, regardless of position. It's said that whoever wins the award is someone who is the best on the field but is also someone of high character. That certainly describes Moore.
Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, Texas A&M defensive end Cashius Howell, and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez join the Notre Dame defender. Moore has played against two of the other finalists over the course of his short career, and it's likely that he could take on Rodriguez if the Irish face off against Texas Tech in the playoffs.
Leonard Moore a finalist for Bronco Nagurski award, follows former Notre Dame greats
"Opponents don’t throw his direction too often. Because of his lockdown abilities, Moore has only been targeted by opposing quarterbacks on 10.6 percent of passing plays in which he was on the field. For every reception he has allowed this season, he has posted 14.4 coverage snaps. Moore’s highlight game so far this season came Oct. 4 in a 28-7 win over Boise State, where he snagged two interceptions, forced a fumble and had six tackles."
"Moore is the only cornerback in the nation to rank in the Top 10 in both interception rate allowed and first-down rate allowed. In two seasons at Notre Dame, Moore has 73 tackles in 24 career games, is second on the defense with five interceptions, and tied for second on the team with three forced fumbles."
Should More win the award, he'd follow in the footsteps of one of his former teammates. Xavier Watts won the award in 2023. He'll also stand in the shadow of one of Notre Dame football's all-time defensive greats, Linebacker Manti Te'o, who won it in 2012.