LEONARD TRANSFERRED TO NOTRE DAME THIS OFFSEASON. THE STAR QUATERBACK HELPED THE IRISH TO BIG WIN IN THEIR OPENER SATURDAY... WKRG'S CHRISTINA HARRIS HAS MORE FROM THOSE CLOSEST TO HIM. Riley Leonard, the current quarterback at 7th ranked team in the country is a Fairhope native and very proud about it. This past Saturday, Riley and his team beat Texas A&M in the season opener leaving many Baldwin County native's proud of how far he's come. His former football coach at Fairhope High School tells us although he's always been e's always had a heart for people and the community. SUPER Tim Carter/Head Football Coach Fairhope High School SOT: "Well, Rylie left such an impact In this community. From a kid's camp that he was a part of last year hosting, to just his influence speaking to different groups When he's back home. And then not only that just a how successful he's been away from here and kids have followed. So, his impact is far reaching and I think it's because of how positive he is and how community driven he is. He's gonna leave a legacy that's going to be hard to match. " Christina Standup: "This here is the high school field where Riley played his heart out. His previous coach and locals says that he's truly left an impact on the Fairhope community." VO: Rylie's mom, Heather also tells us that from a young child he's always been a role model other people look up to. SUPER Heather Leonard/ Riley Leonard's Mother SOT: The most rewarding part has really been since Riley was little I remember he was very little and we would get notes or text or a parent would come up to us and be like Riley's a real role model to my son he's a leader and he's inspired my son to do better at their sport or just in life and be the best that they can be. So really it's been more off the field that people have come up to us and just said that he's made a difference in their child's life and that's all we can ask for as a parent. " VO: Rylie's mom also tells us that she has a special way of keeping Rylie encouraged before games. SOT: "But I do I send him a text before his games and I tell him which is a little thing that we came up with, that he sucks and that's my way of just saying you know I'm here for you and I love you stay humble do the best you can be there for your team and work hard." VO: We're told even with his dedication to the sport, Rylie has been determined to keep his faith his priority and that's helped him to find the positivity in life up until this day. For now reporting from Fairhope, Christina J. Harris, WKRG News 5. RILEY AND THE IRISH WILL HOST NORTHERN ILLIONIS ON SATURDAY...