In a move that’s been highly anticipated, top target quarterback Riley Leonard has officially signed a four-year contract with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This development is a significant boost to the Irish’s recruiting class, and it’s expected to have a profound impact on the team’s fortunes in the coming years.

For those unfamiliar with Leonard, he’s a 4-star quarterback prospect from Fairmont, West Virginia. The 6’4″ signal-caller has been touted as one of the top quarterback recruits in the class of 2023, and his commitment to Notre Dame is a major coup for head coach Marcus Freeman and his staff.

Leonard’s decision to sign with the Irish wasn’t entirely unexpected. Notre Dame had been considered one of the front-runners for his services, along with other powerhouse programs like Alabama and Ohio State. However, it’s clear that Leonard was drawn to the Irish’s rich tradition of quarterback excellence, as well as the opportunity to play for a coaching staff that’s proven itself to be quarterback-friendly.

*What Leonard Brings to the Table*

So, what makes Riley Leonard such a prized recruit? For starters, he possesses all the physical tools you’d want in a quarterback prospect. He’s got the size, the arm strength, and the athleticism to make plays outside of the pocket. But Leonard is more than just a physical specimen – he’s also a highly skilled quarterback with a strong understanding of the game.

In his senior season at Fairmont Senior High School, Leonard threw for over 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns, leading his team to a state championship. He’s a true dual-threat quarterback, capable of beating defenses with his arm or his legs.

*Impact on the Irish’s Recruiting Class*

Leonard’s commitment to Notre Dame is a massive boost to the Irish’s recruiting class, which is already shaping up to be one of the best in the country. With Leonard on board, Notre Dame has secured commitments from several other top recruits, including 5-star wide receiver Braylon James and 4-star defensive lineman Devan Houstan.

The Irish’s recruiting class is currently ranked in the top 5 nationally, according to 247Sports. With Leonard’s commitment, it’s likely that Notre Dame will finish with a top-3 class, which would be a major statement for Freeman and his staff.

*What’s Next for Leonard and the Irish?*

Now that Leonard has officially signed with Notre Dame, the focus will shift to his development as a quarterback. He’ll enroll at Notre Dame in the summer and participate in the Irish’s offseason program, where he’ll begin learning the team’s offense and competing for the starting job.

It’s likely that Leonard will redshirt his freshman season, given the Irish’s depth at quarterback. However, he’ll be expected to contribute sooner rather than later, and it’s possible that he could see playing time as early as his sophomore season.

In conclusion, Riley Leonard’s commitment to Notre Dame is a major coup for the Irish, and it’s a testament to the team’s ability to attract top talent. With Leonard on board, Notre Dame’s recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in the country, and the team’s future looks brighter than ever.