If an NFL team does select Leonard in April, he’d likely be viewed as a developmental prospect or depth option rather than as an immediate starter. Other draft ‘big boards ’ do have Leonard as a lower ranked draft prospect and rate him as a projected sixth round pick.

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard, 22, majored in public policy at Duke with a minor in markets and management studies.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard has been on a hot streak in the postseason with the Fighting Irish and he has a chance to continue growing his narrative as the team prepares to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions at the Orange Bowl in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs.

Notre Dame starting quarterback Riley Leonard has proven to be a difficult quarterback to prepare for as the Irish sit one game away from a national championship appearance. While Leonard doesn't always jump off the page with his arm talent,

Leonard has led Notre Dame to the College Football Playoff this season as a senior. Could he soon be drafted to the NFL?

College Football Network's Cam Mellor's Dec. 21 NFL mock draft predicts the Baltimore Ravens will select Leonard with the final pick in the sixth round (No. 215 overall). Lamar Jackson continues to be the face of the franchise, and the star's five-year, $260 million contract is slated to run through the 2027 season.

With just under six minutes left to play in Thursday's Sugar Bowl, Notre Dame held a 23-10 lead against Georgia and faced a third-and-seven. The Fighting Irish

In an era that is now long gone, a trip to the Orange Bowl meant a break from the rough weather up north and the capper to a successful season that might even end with a championship trophy in the case.

Notre Dame football relied on defense and the legs of Riley Leonard to keep their season alive on Jan. 2. The Fighting Irish are now positioned to clinch their first national championship game appearance since the 2012 season.