Aug. 07--SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly made it clear Thursday he expects the NCAA to clear cornerback KeiVarae Russell to play this season. Kelly wasn't clear about whether the same could be said for defensive end Ishaq Williams.
The seniors -- along with receiver DaVaris Daniels of Vernon Hills, safety Eilar Hardy and linebacker Kendall Moore, all since departed -- were suspended before last season as part of an internal academic investigation.
Kelly said Russell, a preseason All-America candidate before the suspension, will practice when fall camp begins Friday in Culver, Ind.
"We feel confident in the information we've submitted to the NCAA, and we feel very strong about (Russell's) eligibility," Kelly said. "But now it's out of our hands."
Kelly wasn't sure about Williams, who will continue to sit out until the school receives additional information from the NCAA.
Kelly doesn't expect the decision to take long but added he wasn't sure whether the school would face additional penalties, including possibly forfeiting victories.
"I'm not certain if that ends it or if there is another level that covers the entire team," Kelly said.
For now, he's focused on Russell, who spent his year away from Notre Dame taking classes at a community college and working part-time. The 5-foot-11, 190-pounder started 26 games and made 109 tackles and three interceptions during his first two seasons.
"He has a presence. He communicates loudly. I love that," Kelly said. "And it's very positive. He's not a guy that's running around screaming at somebody. When he says something, there is a positive note to it. That is well-received."
All-America linebacker Jaylon Smith also was looking forward to hearing Russell's voice again on the field.
"He's one of my closest brothers," Smith said. "Having him back is comforting, to know the defense is strengthened."
Staying put: Just because quarterback Malik Zaire is a lefty doesn't mean Ronnie Stanley will move from left tackle to right tackle to protect Zaire's blindside.
Kelly said he and his assistants talked about moving Stanley but decided that because of the play-action game, they don't need to.
"I don't care which side I play, wherever they need me," said Stanley, who started every game at right tackle as a sophomore before moving to the left side last year. "But I don't think I'm going anywhere."
Welcome back? Academics will keep junior running back Greg Bryant off the field this season. Kelly said he would welcome Bryant back next season, with some conditions.
"It doesn't make him a bad kid," Kelly said. "It just means he needs to continue to grow and learn. I don't know that I could speak to what he did wrong specifically, other than he needs to continue to make good decisions.
"I'd like to have Greg back if Greg's committed to getting his degree at Notre Dame."
