Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard Focused on Consistency Before National Title
Notre Dame making the National Title game comes with several changes for a player like Riley Leonard.
It’s always been the goal, so Leonard wouldn’t trade it for the world, but the Alabama native has also seen small changes over the last week as there are more media responsibilities and folks are recognizing the Irish quarterback more frequently.
Leonard doesn’t mind the added attention and has also embraced what this opportunity means for those outside The Gug despite only being in South Bend for just over a year.
“I'm not in classes right now, but anytime I walk anywhere and somebody sees me, they ask for a picture, which is really cool,” Leonard said of the vibes on campus. “Something that didn't really happen last semester too much. It's definitely different right now.
“I think every single person on this campus has been a Notre Dame fan pretty much their whole life. For them to be a part of this is really cool and nobody's really taking it for granted.”
The Fighting Irish might be playing for title, but Leonard hasn’t changed his routine outside of not having classes.
“Right now, nothing has changed for my schedule,” explained Leonard. “Stayed in the same place, go to practice, go to the football facility. Nothing really changes as far as like my lifestyle and my daily schedule goes.
“I'm sure when we get to Atlanta, I'll have to do a good job of locking in and taking everything into consideration and focusing on what's important, but right now, it's absolutely the same thing I've been doing the past 15 weeks.”
When it comes to life inside the facility, Marcus Freeman is up to his usual tactics as one would find past Ohio State-Notre Dame games playing on the TVs inside The Gug this week.
Yet, it’s probably more of a reminder to finish than a motivational trick, as Monday’s game is for the National Championship.
”He doesn’t really need to mention the Ohio State loss to give us any extra motivation,” explained Leonard. “It’s the National Championship. If you’re not motivated enough, you’re trippin’. He’s playing it around the facility, so we understand the pain. If you need any extra motivation for this game, there’s something up with you.”
Leonard certainly hasn’t lacked motivation this year as he’s willed Notre Dame to a few wins with his gritty mindset and willingness to do whatever it takes to walk off the field a winner.
Part of his strong makeup is the fact he doesn’t dwell on mistakes. Leonard obviously doesn’t want to make mistakes, but they also aren’t something that’s going to ruin his confidence in himself or the trust in his teammates.
“I made some mistakes last game, but I never get mad at myself if I miss a throw,” Leonard stated. “I get mad at myself if I miss a read or I'm off with myself or hesitate on a throw. The interceptions last week and the way we played in the first half, I was seeing the field great; just wasn't executing. I knew at some point we’d get things turned around.”
There isn’t a better example of Leonard moving past a mistake than last week. Following his second interception, Leonard found Jaden Greathouse for a 54-yard touchdown strike, which came after a key third down conversion between the two players.
“He's a very quarterback-friendly wide receiver,” explained Leonard. “He never really says too much, but he's always going to be in the right spot when you need him to be. There were a couple third down conversions when I was able to find him and extended the drive. He's a smart kid, smart player and when the time comes, when he needs to make a play, he's going to make it.”
Notre Dame will arrive in Atlanta on Friday and the Irish will be underdogs. It’s a role Leonard used to as he wasn’t recruited heavily out of high school and has done nothing but overachieve during his collegiate career.
“I love the underdog status,” said Leonard. “I love it. I love it. I love it. There's nothing that motivates me more than to see certain things said or certain spreads out there, which I don't really look at, but it was brought to my attention today. I love it.”
And yes, Leonard has always had the personal goal of winning a National Championship, but he also understands what it would mean to the university and the fanbase.
“It would mean the world to me,” said Leonard. “It's kind of something I've dreamed of my whole life. To be at a school like this and be able to represent a school like this and lead them to a National Championship so far, it's truly an honor and something I don't take for granted.
“I take a lot of pride in wearing the blue and gold. Our fans have been very loyal to this program, through the ups and downs since 1988. It would be an honor to deliver them another one.”
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