How Duke football embraces the doubters with unlikely mantra - ESPN

DURHAM, N.C. — Somewhere, deep, deep down, Riley Leonard has to know he is a pretty decent quarterback. His 13-4 record as a college starter says as much. ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. says as much, listing Leonard at No. 19 on his latest Big Board for 2024.

But here's the thing. Leonard doesn't want to hear all the praise. Back in high school in Fairhope, Alabama, he sat down with his parents and told them he wanted help to keep his edge and stay motivated.

«I need somebody to tell me I suck sometimes,» he told them.

Heather Leonard looked at her son.

«Hey,» she said. «I got you.»

Thus a tradition began, one that continues now that Leonard and No. 17 Duke are 4-0 and receiving the type of national attention usually reserved for their championship-winning basketball program. With No. 11 Notre Dame (4-1) coming to town Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC), ESPN's «College GameDay» will be set in Durham for the first time for football.

Heather Leonard will do what she always does before kickoff. She will tell Riley: «You suck.» If he needs another reminder, all Riley has to do is look at the blue wristband he wears with the phrase emblazoned on it. A gift from his mom, naturally.

An intrepid fan made similar wristbands and handed them out to anyone who would take one before a recent home game. Offensive tackle Graham Barton still has his tucked away in his jacket pocket.

«I think it fits us perfectly,» Leonard said. «All of us in this entire program carry a huge chip on our shoulder. We want to prove people wrong. I think it's a great message for our team.»

Now that Duke is winning, being reminded «You suck» serves the same motivational purpose for the team as it does for Leonard.

As an exercise back in the spring,