Riley Leonard's running ability is grounded in something besides pure speed

Notre Dame footbal fans have been waiting a long time to see what Riley Leonard can do. After all, the transfer quarterback was injured during the spring and didn’t play in the Blue and Gold game. 

He’s healthy now. He’s ready to go. And he’s ready to hurt Texas A&M with his throwing arm, for sure. But he’s also ready to hurt the Aggies with his feet. 

Leonard is a true dual threat quarterback. When he was totally healthy for an entire season in 2022, he threw for 2,794 yard, 20 touchdowns and just 6 interceptions. But he was also deadly on the ground; running for 636 yards and 11 touchdowns. But while Riley Leonard is certainly speedy, it’s not his speed that kills, it’s his size.

Notre Dame football looking forward to seeing Riley Leonard run

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman talked about how his quarterback’s running ability starts with his 6-foot-4, 216 pound size.

"He's a physically impressive person that can take a hit... But he has speed, he has athleticism and he's not afraid to run. He wants to run. He wants the ball in his hand."

The task this fall is going to be balancing Riley Leonard’s ability and desire to run with making sure he stays healthy. That he doesn’t have the same issue with his ankle as he had in 2023 and the early part of 2024. 

If Notre Dame football can keep him healthy. If Riley Leonard can stay healthy, he could be scary good in Mike Denbrock’s offense.