Notre Dame’s rising shutdown corner grabs early Jim Thorpe buzz

After a huge freshman year, Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore is expected to be one of the nation's best defensive backs. That was demonstrated yet again when he was placed on the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist earlier this week.

It's the latest pre-season accolade for Moore, as he continues to get plenty of hype entering the year. During his freshman season, he had 48 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions.

Jim Thorpe watch nod bolsters Notre Dame football's Leonard Moore

The numbers don't tell the whole story for the Notre Dame football star, as he consistently shut down the opposition's best wide receiver.

That accomplishment also came after injuries and departures from the secondary vaulted Moore into a starting job. Once he got the job, it took almost no time at all for him to show that he was one of the best corners in the nation.

It's a massive luxury for new defensive coordinator Chris Ash, as he can send Moore out to one side of the field all alone and not worry about giving up big plays. This enables the safeties to have a bit more freedom to make plays, again showing the elite ability of Moore.

The Jim Thorpe Award watch list is just the latest accolade Moore has gotten as more and more people realize just how talented a player he was, especially since he was still a freshman.

Entering his sophomore season, Moore is expected to be one of the best defenders on the Notre Dame football defense. That's why he's also on the Bronco Nagurski award watchlist as the best overall defensive player