The true freshman easily exceeded the typical expectations placed on a former three-star prospect during their rookie campaign.

Leonard Moore began Notre Dame’s starting boundary corner in early October after pre-season All-American Benjamin Morrison underwent hip surgery. He ended up starting 10 games for the Irish while recording 48 tackles (2.0) for a loss, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a team-high 11 pass breakups.

He also held opposing signal-callers to a 58.6 NFL passer rating as they completed 45.5% of their passes for 286 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

He took his game to an even higher level throughout the playoffs.

I’ve been asked multiple times about the speed of Leonard Moore’s chase down of Quinshon Judkins. According to Reel Analytics, Moore hit a max speed of 22.0 mph. #ReelSpeed pic.twitter.com/FnRQyHDcRD

— Cory Yates (@CoryRAanalytics) January 22, 2025

“This freshman stepped into a featured role following a season-ending injury to AP All-America preseason second-team selection Benjamin Morrison and developed into Notre Dame’s best cornerback,” Megargee wrote. “PFF gave him overall defensive ratings of 76.4 against Indiana and 78.5 against Georgia.”

During Notre Dame’s postseason run, several organizations named Moore a freshman All-American. The Football Writer’s Association of America also made him the Freshman Defensive Player of the Year.