Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws oranges to his teammates after winning the Orange Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal game against Penn State, Thursday in Miami Gardens, Fla. Leonard grew up in Fairhope. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky) AP

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard fought through an injury scare and a very forgettable first half to lead the Fighting Irish past Penn State in the Orange Bowl. It was a champion effort from a veteran who has had his hands on the wheel during a remarkable run to the national championship game.

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.