Playing his collegiate years in Durham and South Bend. Riley Leornard did not spend much time back home in Fairhope, Alabama.

February’s Reese’s Senior Bowl gave Leonard the opportunity to get back to the community that made him the NFL draft prospect he is today.

“The senior bowl was really cool because I was playing in Mobile, Alabama which is like 40 minutes from me,” Leonard said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine. “Playing in North Carolina and Notre Dame those were like 15–16-hour trips back home for me.”

“It was good to wrap up my college days in my hometown,” Leonard added. “Down there the food and the people are incredible. There’s no better place to be. It was good to get back down there and kind of finish where I started.”

Leonard wrapped up his college career with 7,311 yards and 45 passing touchdowns. He added 2,130 yards and 36 scores on ground, showcasing his dual-threat abilities.

Coming off a National Championship appearance with the Fighting Irish last season, Leonard talked about the continuous support he received from his hometown throughout his entire college career.

“Growing up in Fairhope, Alabama it’s like the coolest place in the world because every person you meet has your best interest,” Leonard said. “The amount of support I had throughout my career, — I pretty much call everybody family back home.”

Leonard plans to throw during the QB/WR/RB session Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine. Coverage will start at noon on the NFL Network.

Jerry Humphrey III covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Jerryhump3 or email him at [email protected].