Notre Dame CB KeiVarae Russell cleared to play by NCAA

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Damecornerback KeiVarae Russell has been cleared by the NCAA to play this season, coach Brian Kelly said at the team's media day Tuesday.

Russell had been practicing with the Fighting Irish during fall camp, as the school was confident he eventually would be deemed eligible.

Russell was one of four players suspended in August 2014 as part of an internal academic investigation by the school. He served a two-semester suspension before re-enrolling at Notre Dame this summer.

The 5-foot-11, 196-pound Russell started all 26 games his first two years at Notre Dame (2012-13), tallying 109 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, a half sack and one fumble recovery.

Kelly said he is still awaiting word on the status of defensive end Ishaq Williams, who also returned to school this summer after being suspended as part of last year's investigation.

Kelly said that Williams recently wrote a personal appeal to the NCAA. Williams has been withheld from practice, as the school has been far less confident in his potential eligibility than it had been about Russell's.