Notre Dame CB KeiVarae Russell cleared by NCAA

KeiVarae Russell is officially back for Notre Dame after missing last season due to an academic investigation

Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell is officially cleared by the NCAA to return to the field after he was suspended for the entire 2014 season amid an academic dishonesty probe.

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly snuck the news in on Tuesday afternoon, according to Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman who relayed the news from the team’s Media Day.

#ND news: Brian Kelly said star CB KeiVarae Russell was just fully cleared by the NCAA.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 18, 2015

The news isn’t exactly a shock considering Russell shared this Instagram post in May with the phrase “I’m back.” But if there were any skeptical Notre Dame fans out there, they can take a deep sigh of relief knowing the Irish have their best cornerback in the fold for the upcoming season that could end with a trip to the College Football Playoff.

Russell was one of a handful of Notre Dame players who were forced to miss the 2014 season due to academic probe that also included Ishaq Williams but Kelly says, via Feldman, that he is still waiting to hear back on the status of his appeal he sent to the NCAA.

Brian Kelly said Ishaq Williams had to put together an appeal and that has been sent off to the NCAA & #ND is waiting to hear back.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) August 18, 2015

Russell has 26 career starts and was a Freshman All-American in 2012 and could be in the running for the Thorpe Award this year as the nation’s top defensive back. With Russell officially back with the team, Notre Dame boasts 11 returning starters to the defense, including preseason All-American linebacker Jaylon Smith.

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