Leonard Moore Named to Freshman All-America Team

By: Len Clark Last Updated: January 14, 2025

Notre Dame true freshman cornerback Leonard Moore has been named to the 2024 FWAA Freshman All-America Team following an impressive debut season with the Fighting Irish.

Since the FWAA introduced its Freshman All-America Team in 2001, Moore joins a distinguished list of Notre Dame honorees, including Sam Young (2006), Ian Williams (2007), Aaron Lynch (2011), KeiVarae Russell (2012), Nyles Morgan (2014), Justin Yoon (2015), Kyle Hamilton (2019), Kyren Williams (2020), Joe Alt (2021), and Benjamin Morrison (2022).

Moore’s accolades this season extend beyond the FWAA recognition. He was also named the 2024 College Football Network Freshman Cornerback of the Year and earned spots on several Freshman All-America teams, including those from ESPN, The Athletic (First Team), Pro Football Focus, the College Football Network, and the 247Sports True Freshman All-America Team.

In his debut campaign, Moore started nine games, quickly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Irish defense. He tallied 43 tackles, including 2.0 for loss, along with 10 pass breakups, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a quarterback hurry. His defensive contributions were pivotal throughout Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff run.

Highlights of Moore’s season include:

Georgia: Recorded five tackles, two pass breakups, and a tackle for loss while limiting the opposing offense to a 39.6 passer rating against Indiana, according to Pro Football Focus.
USC: Notched five pass breakups in a 49-35 victory, the second-most in a single game by any FBS player this season and the only freshman to achieve the feat in 2024.
Virginia: Delivered an interception that led to a Notre Dame touchdown, along with three tackles and a quarterback hurry in the 35-14 win.
Navy: Secured his first career interception on fourth down during a 51-14 victory over the No. 24-ranked Midshipmen.
Georgia Tech: Shined with seven tackles, a tackle for loss (-16 yards), and two pass breakups in a 31-13 win, solidifying his status as a playmaker.
Louisville: In his first career start, Moore recorded seven tackles, forced a fumble, and set up a touchdown drive that gave Notre Dame a lead they never relinquished in a 31-24 win over No. 15 Louisville.

Moore’s breakout season not only showcases his individual talent but also solidifies his role as a rising star for the Fighting Irish.