The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will need a new quarterback next season to replace the graduating Sam Hartman, and they may have found that player already.
Much like Hartman, the new quarterback may also be a transfer from the ACC.
The Athletic‘s Pete Thamel reported Monday that Duke quarterback Riley Leonard would be taking an official visit to Notre Dame on December 6th and 7th.
Sources: Duke quarterback Riley Leonard plans to take an official visit to Notre Dame on December 6th and 7th.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 5, 2023
Leonard entered the transfer portal last week but reportedly had a “do not contact” tag leading many to believe that Notre Dame would be his destination. This news is certainly another step in that direction.
Source: Duke QB Riley Leonard is officially in the transfer portal with a "do not contact" tag.
Keep an eye on Notre Dame with this one.
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) November 29, 2023
Leonard spent three seasons at Duke and was primarily a backup in 2021.
The 2022 season saw a breakout for Leonard, though. He went 250-for-392 for 20 touchdowns, tying him for the fourth-most in one season by a Duke quarterback. Leonard’s strong season was capped off by being named the MVP of the 2022 Military Bowl when he rushed for a pair of touchdowns en route to a 30-13 Blue Devils win. He played in just six games in 2023 after suffering an ankle injury and later suffering a toe injury.
Leonard’s best game of 2023 came in Duke’s 38-14 win over the Northwestern Wildcats on September 16. He went 15-for-20 for 219 yards and added 97 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
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