Riley Leonard had a lot of good days on football fields and basketball courts around Mobile and Baldwin Counties.

Leonard, the former Fairhope High multi-sport star who is now the starting quarterback for Duke University, returned home this weekend to conduct a camp for young football players in the area.

“This means the world to me,” Leonard said. “This is a dream come true, getting to come back and give back to my community. I really did always dream of giving back. There are so many people in Fairhope and the whole 251 area who have supported me. This is one of the best days of my life.”

COLUMN: No surprise Leonard is QB 1 at Duke

Leonard’s camp at W.C. Majors Field in Fairhope was for young football players in grades 1-8. Leonard didn’t come alone. Instructors on a steamy Saturday included starting Duke offensive tackle Graham Barton, Fairhope High football coach Tim Carter and his staff and QB Country founder David Morris.

“He’s our prodigal child,” Carter said of Leonard. “We are all pulling for him, and we are so excited for him. For him to want to come back and share some of his success with this community just shows you what kind of young man he is.”

With multiple offers in both basketball and football, Leonard had a serious choice to make in his senior season at Fairhope. He ultimately chose football and signed with Duke.

It’s worked out nicely so far.

As the Blue Devil starter in 2022, he completed 64 percent of his passes for 2,967 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also ran for 699 yards and 13 scores. Entering his second season as a starter, the 6-foot-4, 209-pound Leonard is receiving early Heisman Trophy and NFL draft pick buzz.

“It’s insane how two years can make a difference in your life,” he said. “Now that I’m sticking to one sport it’s a lot easier to try to be better and focus on that one thing. I can’t believe the situation I’m in.”

His high school coach certainly can believe it.

“We felt like, due to his natural talent and ability and good parenting – he has been raised to make a lot of good decisions – that his talent and personal drive gave him the chance to be special,” Carter said. “The choices he made in high school are helping him become the man he is today.”

Carter also said Leonard is a perfect example of why high school athletes should play multiple sports if they can.

“Athletes should play as many sports as they can, and it will be figured out over time,” he said. “Riley was good in a lot of things. Football opened up for him.”

Barton said Leonard’s charisma has made him the prefect leader in college as well.

“He always has a smile on his face,” the Tennessee native said. “He’s an inspiration to these kids out here, but to the guys in our lockerroom, too. I think what is so unique about him is his positivity, the way he works. I think that will take Riley as far as he wants to go.”

On Saturday, there was little talk of college football, the Heisman or the NFL. Leonard shared his testimony with campers and spent the next three hours directing and encouraging them along with his fellow camp counselors.

“When he told me he was putting on this camp in his hometown and he asked me to come with him, I jumped at the opportunity,” Barton said. “It’s just amazing to see the community support Riley has. It speaks volumes of his family and him. It’s awesome to be down here and help give back and, hopefully, inspire some kids along the way.”

Leonard and Barton – two integral pieces to Duke’s prospects in the fall – will return to college Sunday and continue preparation for the season. The Blue Devils open the season at home against Clemson on Sept. 4.