Riley Leonard will have to bide his time a bit longer before he can fully integrate with his new Notre Dame comrades.

The recent reports from On3’s Tyler Horka reveal that Leonard is set to miss the majority of the team’s winter conditioning sessions due to an ankle surgery he underwent earlier this month.

Unfortunately, this setback may even jeopardize his availability for the commencement of spring practices scheduled for March.

Riley Leonard’s arrival via the transfer portal was a significant move for Notre Dame, marking the second consecutive year they’ve secured a former ACC quarterback’s services.

Following in the footsteps of Sam Hartman, who joined the Irish the previous year after a remarkable tenure at Wake Forest, Leonard is poised to make his mark under the guidance of head coach Marcus Freeman.

Though injuries hampered Leonard’s 2023 season, he burst onto the scene with a breakout performance in 2022 while playing for the Duke Blue Devils.

During that season, he masterfully orchestrated Duke to an impressive 9-4 record, showcasing his prowess both through the air and on the ground. This dual-threat ability was a crucial factor in Coach Freeman’s evaluation of Notre Dame’s next starting quarterback.

Considering the talent Notre Dame possesses on the offensive line, it’s only logical that they aim to emphasize the running game. When Leonard regains his health and returns to the fold, it’s highly likely that we’ll witness well-crafted run plays specifically tailored to capitalize on his mobility as a quarterback.

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