Notre Dame junior cornerback Leonard Moore has proven time and time again why he is considered a top-notch defender not only for the Irish, but throughout college football.
A projected high first-round pick for the 2027 NFL Draft, Moore is also considered a great teammate and respects everyone around him. That is why the junior defensive back was named to this year’s Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award watch list
.The award is named after former Tennessee and Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten, who played in the NFL for 17 seasons and mostly for the Dallas Cowboys. Witten is currently a tight ends coach at Oklahoma.
“The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award is presented annually to a college football player who has demonstrated
a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field. The award honors the type of exemplary character and commitment to community, family and teammates demonstrated by Jason Witten, the 2012 NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year and one of the most prominent role models in the game,” according to a description.
Moore has five tackles, a pass breakup and a pass deflection through two games so far this season. In his sophomore campaign for the Irish, Moore recorded 31 tackles, a forced fumble, seven pass breakups and five interceptions while returning one for a touchdown.
Leadership. Courage. Integrity. Sportsmanship.
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) September 10, 2026
Leonard Moore is our Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year nominee!#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/SpJarMbkmq
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame’s star defender named to Jason Witten Award watch list
