Former Notre Dame football star Riley Leonard may have only played in South Bend for one season, but he’s definitely endeared himself to Fighting Irish fans. That’s why so many of them are rooting for him to not just get drafted but drafted early.
The gunslinger who has a decent arm and can hurt opponents with his feet isn’t just resting on his laurels. The former Golden Domer is working hard to increase his NFL Draft stock. Right up to the last days.
Riley Leonard recently showed Notre Dame football faithful how he’s working and trying to get ready for the draft. He’s still working on his footwork and his throwing and is doing so with the group that has already turned him into a very competent college quarterback.
The X account, QB Country recently posted a short video of Leonard working out and getting ready. Alongside the various throws he’s shown making is a caption expressing excitement over his draft options:
“We’ve been training since Riley was n 4th grade. This time next wk he will be a NFL Quarterback,” the account wrote. “There is nothing more fulfilling than seeing a boy grow into an amazing young man. Whoever drafts Riley Leonard is lucky!”
Leonard also recently talked about what he thinks he brings to the table for an NFL team saying, “I’m very competitive and I always find a way to win. I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I think that’s probably a quality I’ve showcased.”
Riley Leonard’s final push: Can the Notre Dame QB rise in the NFL Draft?
Where exactly Riley Leonard will land is a very open question. There are some mock drafts that believe he could go surprisingly early. Others believe his best shot is as an undrafted free agent.
He has tools that NFL teams absolutely love these days, including a toughness that isn’t present in most quarterbacks these days. His arm, on the other hand has been suspect.
The wide receiver corps and the play calling didn’t help the gunslinger this past season. Though at the same time the playcalling absolutely did show what he would do to get a win, going all the way to the National Championship game.
The Notre Dame football product now sits and waits. Riley Leonard won’t go in the first round on Thursday. Anything goes after that though.