2019 K Harrison Leonard Recaps Official Visit To Notre Dame

2019 Avon Old Farms (Conn.) kicker Harrison Leonard‍ had been to Notre Dame the past, but Saturday marked his first trip as a recruit as the 6-foot, 180-pounder saw the Irish get a 22-17 win over Vanderbilt. 

“It went really well,” Leonard told Irish Sports Daily following his official visit. “I enjoyed my time in South Bend. I thought the game was exciting and meeting the coaching staff was a really good time.

“The fans were into it the entire game and the players played well. When I walked into the stadium, the atmosphere was different than everywhere else I have been.”

The chance to take an official visit to Notre Dame was something that caught Leonard off guard, but the opportunity to play for the Irish is something he had previously thought about. 

“It was nice to be able to see everything up front,” explained Leonard. “The last time I was at Notre Dame, I didn’t really know I’d be in this position. Being able to see this might possible was really eye-opening.”

Leonard, who has a cousin at Notre Dame, was familiar with the academic prestige, but seeing the opportunities up close made a significant impression.

“I was really impressed with the academics,” said Leonard. “The statistics they showed us were very impressive. It’s hard not to be impressed.”

Notre Dame and Leonard have quickly built a relationship, so getting time around head coach Brian Kelly and special teams coordinator Brian Polian was a significant part of the visit for the Avon Old Farms standout. 

“I went into the visit not knowing what to expect,” Leonard said of the coaching staff. “Coming out of it, I think Coach Polian and Coach Kelly are great guys. I think really high of them. They are the type of guys you want to play for.” 

When it comes to his recruitment, Polian didn’t extend an offer or preferred walk-on offer on this trip, but one could be coming in the future and Leonard is totally fine with where he stands. 

“Coach Polian wants to see me kick,” said Leonard. “He’s going to come out and see me kick.


“Coach Polian didn’t make any promises, but it was more about me working hard, and then my chances would come.”