In choosing their captains, the Notre Dame football team has some very clear-cut rules. Chief among them is that underclassmen cannot wear the C on the front of their jerseys. It's a tradition that goes back well before Marcus Freeman was the head coach, but when talking about those kinds of traditions, they're essential to the Fighting Irish. Still, addressing the media on Tuesday, Freeman made it clear that if the rule didn't exist, he believes sophomore corner Leonard Moore would have been one of the six captains chosen.
For the 2025 season, the Irish players and coaches have selected linebacker Drayk Bowen, defensive tackle Donovan Hinish, wide receiver Will Pauling, guard Billy Schrauth, safety Adon Shuler, and offensive tackle Aamil Wagner. However, Moore might qualify as an honorary captain, the way that Freeman spoke about him at his press conference.
Marcus Freeman praises Leonard Moore as a captain-caliber leader for Notre Dame football
"If I would've given the option for a guy in their second year to be a captain, I’m not certain Leonard wouldn’t have been a captain," the Notre Dame football head coach said on Tuesday.
Freeman went on to say that while Moore was just a true freshman last season when he broke out, he's carrying himself like a veteran this year. That includes taking this year's freshmen under his wing and tutoring them in the little things.
Moore is sometimes coaching up his teammates as much as defensive backs coach Mike Mickens is doing it. He's become the consummate teammate as the Notre Dame football team gets ready for its season opener against Miami. It's a tidbit for the defense that should only get Fighting Irish fans more hyped as we get closer to Sunday.