Duke Quarterback Riley Leonard: In a concise yet impactful Instagram post, Fairhope, Alabama’s junior quarterback, Riley Leonard, expressed his gratitude to Duke with a three-word message: “Thank you, Duke.” This decision follows closely on the heels of his coach Mike Elko’s move to Texas A&M as the new head coach.
Leonard’s junior year faced adversity with injuries, but he left an indelible mark in Week 1, seizing attention with a notable victory against Clemson. Throwing for 175 yards and rushing for 98 more, he showcased his prowess. Unfortunately, a Week 5 ankle injury against Notre Dame, compounded by subsequent setbacks, added hurdles to his journey.
The 6-4, 210-pound quarterback leaves Duke with an impressive record, amassing 4,450 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 27 career games. His dual-threat abilities extended beyond passing, with 1,224 rushing yards and 19 additional touchdowns.
Chris Hummer of 247Sports notes Leonard’s entry into the transfer portal with a “do not contact” tag, sparking speculation about his next destination. As the Blue Devils’ 2022 starting quarterback, Leonard demonstrated his skills with a 64% completion rate, 2,967 passing yards, and 20 touchdowns. His dual-threat prowess added 699 rushing yards and 13 scores.
Entering his second season as a starter, Leonard garnered early attention in Heisman Trophy and NFL draft discussions. Reflecting on his journey, he remarked on the transformative power of two years, emphasizing the challenges and growth that shaped his current situation.
Hailing from Fairhope High School, Leonard showcased his talent with over 2,200 passing yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, along with 517 rushing yards and five scores. Opting for Duke over notable contenders like Nebraska, Vanderbilt, and Syracuse, Leonard’s decision set the stage for his collegiate journey.
His prowess extended to the basketball court, where Leonard averaged 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists as a senior, culminating in an impressive career with over 2,000 points. As he embarks on a new chapter, Riley Leonard leaves behind a legacy of versatility, resilience, and gratitude for the experiences at Duke.”
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Our Reader’s Queries
Where did Riley Leonard go?
Notre Dame secured its top quarterback pick on Tuesday, when Duke transfer Riley Leonard confirmed on social media that he’s joining the Fighting Irish. With one year of eligibility left, Riley is set to hit the field right away for Notre Dame.
Did Riley Leonard transfer?
Notre Dame has officially secured Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard as they usher in a new quarterback era. Leonard assumed the role of Duke’s starter in 2022, inheriting a team that had struggled with a 10-25 record in the previous three seasons. Under his leadership, Duke achieved a remarkable 9-4 record, triumphing over powerhouse teams like Miami and Wake Forest.
How big is Riley Leonard?
Player Profile:
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 212 lbs
Hometown: Fairhope, AL
Class: Junior
Conference: Atlantic Coast
Is Riley Leonard a sophomore?
On Tuesday, ex-Duke quarterback Riley Leonard declared that he will be heading to Notre Dame to play for the Fighting Irish in 2024. Leonard, a junior who played with the Blue Devils for the last three seasons, made the announcement through a brief video on social media.