22 MAY 2024 BLUE & GOLD ILLUSTRATED
BY JACK SOBLE
N
otre Dame quarterback Riley
Leonard was as cheerful as can
be at practice March 27, but a
positive attitude was all he
could bring to the field.
The Duke transfer dapped up and
chatted with his wide receiver team-
mates as he smiled, laughed and rolled
around the Irish Athletic Center on a
medical scooter with a large boot on his
right ankle. He actually threw the ball in
individual drills, standing on his healthy
leg and resting his recovering one on the
scooter, but that was all he could do.
The favorite to start at quarterback
for Notre Dame this fall is out for most,
if not all, of spring ball after undergoing
a second surgery on his right ankle since
arriving in South Bend. Junior signal-
caller Steve Angeli, who had been split-
ting first-team reps with Leonard when
both were healthy, will take all of them
as long as Leonard is out.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Free-
man has said he wants to name a start-
ing quarterback before fall camp, but
Leonard's surgery made that timeline
more complicated.
ON THE MEND
Riley Leonard's Injury Throws Wrench
In Notre Dame's Plans for Choosing QB1
Leonard's ankle injury is costing him the time and opportunity to showcase his prowess and win the QB1 competition over junior Steve Angeli (right) outright.
It remains to be seen whether Leonard (left) will be able to return to the field in time for the Blue-Gold Game April 20.
PHOTO BY CHAD WEAVER
