Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard turned in a strong performance at his Pro Day last month, completing 62-of-66 passes in front of scouts and coaches.
Despite the impressive numbers, Leonard couldn’t help but focus on the four incompletions, which shouldn’t be a shock if you’ve followed his career.
“I feel really good,” stated Leonard following Pro Day. “I had a lot of things I wanted to put on tape and do. I think I accomplished those things. I’m kind of a perfectionist at times, so obviously, all I can think about are the ones you wish you had back. I think it was really good and I had a lot of fun.”
One of Leonard’s key goals was to showcase his deep ball. It was an area where he flashed potential during the season, completing 20-of-43 passes for 658 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions on throws of 20-plus yards.
Leonard’s goal at Pro Day was to show his arm strength, as well as his ability to throw an accurate ball.
“I wanted to let it fly,” said Leonard. “If I was going to miss, I was going to miss long and that’s what I did. These guys made me look good a couple times - I thought I overthrew them, but they got under the ball. It’s good to work with fast receivers.”
Pro Day also marked a meaningful moment, as it was the final time Leonard would be on the field with the receiving group that helped guide Notre Dame to a national title game appearance in January.
After missing much of last spring due to injury, Leonard credited that group for helping him get up to speed.
“It’s really good to be back with the guys,” explained Leonard. “The reason I’m standing here today is strictly because of them. It’s good to get back here and throw to them. I remember a year ago today, I was still on crutches and a boot. To be here smiling and having fun with the guys is a full circle moment for me.”
Beaux Collins, Jayden Harrison, and Kris Mitchell, all transfer portal additions like Leonard, made the trip to Alabama last summer for a week of workouts. That time helped build chemistry on the field, and they also benefited from some valuable insight from a nearby mentor: Philip Rivers.
The former NFL quarterback, who lives just minutes from Leonard, has played a key role in his development, especially as he prepares for the NFL Draft.
”Philip’s given me a lot of good advice,” Leonard stated. “He’s probably the best under-center seven-step drop guy and in-the-gun five-step drop guy who has ever played. Getting out there to work with him and get my feet underneath me has really helped a lot. He has a lot of good advice he’s always giving me.”
“His big thing is that today I begin. Every day is a new day. Don’t focus on tomorrow because it’s not even promised. Focus on the day and take it one day at a time.”
Outside of maybe Cam Ward, no NFL Draft prospect knows where they’ll be playing next year at this point.
One thing is clear for Leonard as whoever drafts him will be getting a player willing to do anything to win football games.
“I’m very competitive and I always find a way to win,” said Leonard. “I’ll do whatever it takes to win. I think that’s probably a quality I’ve showcased.”
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