In 2013, he recorded 51 tackles and broke up eight passes and made one interception. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
One of the best college cornerbacks has been given the green light to play this season.
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly confirmed Tuesday that KeiVarae Russell has been cleared by the NCAA to play for Notre Dame this fall. Russell sat out last season after being suspended during a school investigation into academic misconduct.
Russell’s return fortifies a defense that is expected to be one of college football’s best.
“By the way, KeiVarae is fully cleared by the NCAA and reinstated,” Kelly matter-of-factly told reporters on Tuesday. “So he’s back with us”
Russell started the first 26 games of his Notre Dame career.
In 2012, he earned freshman All-American honors as the Irish advanced to the National Championship Game.
In 2013, he recorded 51 tackles and broke up eight passes and made one interception.
Last season, many expected Russell to dominate, but then the school initiated a probe into what it called “potential academic dishonesty.”
The investigation also involved defensive end Ishaq Williams, who also was forced to miss the 2014 season.
On Tuesday, Kelly said Williams’ status for 2015 was still to be determined.
