Blunt Says He’ll Leave the Irish

Former San Fernando High quarterback Leon Blunt, one of two Valley-area standouts to play at Notre Dame as freshmen last fall, says he is leaving the Irish because of lack of playing time.

Blunt has not participated in spring football practice and said he will transfer to another school when the current semester ends May 12.

“I want to play and I want to be the man,” Blunt said. “I told (Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz) I don’t want to sit for three years.”

Blunt played behind sophomore quarterback Ron Powlus, who passed for over 1,800 yards and led the Irish to the Fiesta Bowl.

Blunt said San Fernando Coach Sean Blunt, his cousin, has contacted Arizona and Hawaii. Leon Blunt said Arizona is interested in using him as a running back and at quarterback in short-yardage situations. Hawaii would use him at quarterback in its option offense.

“I don’t know if (Notre Dame has) given me a release from my scholarship,” Blunt said.

Blunt said he is not ruling out USC.

At Notre Dame, Blunt played quarterback (he was one for one passing for 10 yards) and flanker (one reception for 12 yards). He rushed nine times for 25 yards out of both positions.

“If Leon Blunt were to stay I would play him at (backup) quarterback (only),” Holtz said.