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"He dunking ts like he a brotha": Fans react to Notre Dame hero Riley Leonard's high school basketball highlights

Modified Jan 11, 2025 11:10 GMT

Fans reacted as Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard led his team to a 27-24 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday in the CFP semifinal. The QB registered 223 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also had 35 rushing yards on 18 attempts and scored one touchdown.

Leonard's journey began at the Fairhope High School in Alabama where he was a multi-sport athlete. The three-star recruit from the Class of 2021 played basketball as well as football for the Pirates. His high school basketball highlights were shared by ESPN on Instagram, and fans expressed their awe for the athlete.

"Riley Leonard used to posterize people in HS," read the caption of the post.

Leonard's basketball highlights included a lot of dunks. ESPN analyst Pat McAfee was impressed by the quarterback's massive frame. Fans were quick to express their thoughts on the quarterback's basketball highlights.

"Mr Leonard I was unaware of your game," one said.

"He dunking ts like he a brotha," another wrote.

"This might be the most athletic white boy I’ve ever seen," another commented.

Riley Leonard had a great high school basketball career, averaging 20.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game as a junior. He was one of three finalists shortlisted for the Class 7A Player of the Year honors, according to Sporting News.

"Suddenly I love this’ kids game now," one commented.

"That’s my hometown hero," another said.

"that’s what hard work and great coaches can do for you!!! Great young man!," one wrote.

Leonard was ranked No.419 nationally and was the 36th-best quarterback in the Class of 2021, as per On3. He was also the 16th-best overall recruit from the state of Alabama.

Riley Leonard ended his senior year with a quarterback rating of 123.0

Riley Leonard, a former three-star prospect from Fairhope, Alabama, had a decent senior year at Fairhope High School. He racked up 1,870 yards on a 72.7% completion rate and threw 20 touchdowns and five interceptions while leading his team to a record of 7-3.

Leonard's performances earned him offers from programs like Ole Miss, Nebraska, Vanderbilt, Duke, Tulane, Southern Mississippi and South Alabama. He enrolled at Duke in 2022 but transferred to Notre Dame in Dec. 2023.

He will lead the Fighting Irish on Jan. 21 against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the NCAA title game.

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