Notre Dame DC Chris Ash Raves About Leonard Moore: “He’s Got Everything You Want in a Corner”
As Notre Dame gears up for the 2025 season, defensive coordinator Chris Ash is already making it clear who he believes could be one of the program’s next defensive stars: freshman cornerback Leonard Moore.
Moore, a highly touted recruit out of Texas, arrived in South Bend this offseason with significant expectations. Now, after summer workouts and team evaluations, he’s turning heads—including that of his veteran defensive coordinator. Ash recently offered high praise for the young defensive back, calling Moore “rare” and emphasizing that he checks every box in terms of physical traits and football instincts.
> “If you were to draw up or write up the characteristics that you want in a corner, he’s got them all,” Ash said, via Tyler Horka of Blue and Gold Illustrated. “He’s long. He’s athletic. He’s quick. He’s fast. He’s tough… He’s instinctive. The list goes on.”
That kind of praise from a seasoned coach like Ash, who has extensive experience across both college football and the NFL, is not handed out lightly. Moore’s combination of size—listed at 6-foot-2 with long arms—plus his foot speed and tenacity, make him an ideal fit for the modern, press-heavy schemes that Notre Dame is expected to run this fall under Ash’s leadership.
The Fighting Irish are entering the new season with a retooled secondary, and the early emergence of Moore could be a major asset. With veterans like Benjamin Morrison anchoring the unit, Moore’s development offers Notre Dame both immediate depth and long-term potential in a highly competitive position group.
Moore’s instincts and physical tools were evident during his high school career, where he earned four-star status and All-State honors in Texas. But what’s impressing the Notre Dame staff most is how quickly he’s transitioned to the college game—mentally and physically. He’s not just learning the system; he’s competing.
> “He picks up concepts fast, and he’s not afraid of the moment,” said Ash. “You don’t see that in most freshmen. That’s what makes him different.”
Teammates have also noticed Moore’s impact. Junior safety Xavier Watts, one of the leaders in the Irish secondary, noted that Moore “plays with a chip on his shoulder” and “doesn’t back down from anyone.”
With a tough 2025 schedule ahead—including matchups against explosive offenses like USC and Ohio State—Notre Dame will need depth and playmaking in the secondary. Moore’s rapid progress could put him in line for significant reps as early as Week 1, with a chance to carve out a rotational role—or even more—by midseason.
It’s still early, but Leonard Moore is making all the right impressions in South Bend. And if Chris Ash’s words are any indication, the Irish might have found their next great lockdown corner.
“He’s got everything you want,” Ash repeated. And Notre Dame couldn’t be more excited.
