The Notre Dame football team's 2024 campaign has unfortunately seen many star players, including Rylie Mills and Benjamin Morrison, season come to an end. Star cornerback, Benjamin Morrison, one of the nation's top defensive backs, suffered a devastating hip injury back in a Week 7 win against Stanford.
However, with this setback it provided a golden opportunity to the Irish promising three-star freshman out of Texas and he has done nothing but help elevate this Irish defense to be one of the nation’s best. While the Irish defense may have lost one of its stars in Benjamin Morrison, it is safe to say they’ve gained another in Leonard Moore.
Leonard Moore was asked to step up for Marcus Freeman’s defense and he has now emerged as one of the nation’s best defensive backs. Moore’s rise has been impressive, as he has been recognized and awarded for his successful freshman season. Moore made the Freshman All-American team, as well as named the Freshman Corner of the Year.
Notre Dame football injury provided opportunity for Leonard Moore
Since Moore has taken the role, he has showcased his ability to make plays on the ball, earning him eight pass deflections which is tied for the most on Notre Dame. One of Moore’s most impressive performances came in the Irish's final regular-season game against USC that helped solidify their playoff dream into a reality.
Moore recorded five pass deflections against the Trojans, which is the most by a freshman in the 2024 season and tied for the most pass deflections in all FBS in a single game. Moore’s contributions throughout the season have been huge for this Irish defense and give Irish fans something to look forward to for the future. He tallied up 37 total tackles, including 24 solo tackles, while forcing two fumbles and earning two interceptions this season.
“He has God given ability, but he is a very intelligent individual and a very competitive individual that I think help expedite that process to where he is at right now.” Head coach Marcus Freeman stated on Leonard Moore in his press conference this week.
It was the playoff opener against the Indiana Hoosiers where Moore truly showcased his talents. Hoosiers were clearly trying to go after Moore in this game, but he would go on and deliver a near perfect performance that further solidified his place among the nation's rising stars.
Moore would go and cover 42 snaps this game and was tasked with defending against one of the best passing offenses in the country statistically. He was targeted six times and allowed just one catch, as he showcased his lockdown ability and kept the passer’s efficiency at 2.4 yards per attempt and a 36.9 passer rating.
Moore’s ability to play physical yet disciplined football in such high-pressure game at such a young age is a rarity, and it shows his potential to be a future star for the Irish. As Notre Dame now looks forward and their challenge with Georgia, the Notre Dame football team will need Leonard Moore to continue his playmaking abilities and help lead this Irish to their first win ever over the Bulldogs.