Nov. 08--After a drawn out process, it appears Notre Dame will get one of its five players suspended as part of the school's academic fraud investigation back on the field this season.
Reserve safety Eilar Hardy, a redshirt junior, has been cleared by the NCAA to play this season for Notre Dame, team spokesman Michael Bertsch said on Twitter. No. 10 Notre Dame hits the road this week to face No. 9 Arizona State.
The other four -- cornerback KeiVarae Russell, receiver DaVaris Daniels, linebacker Kendall Moore and defensive end Ishaq Williams -- will not return this season.
Hardy was not originally implicated in the academic probe when the school announced it in August, but Hardy was suspended just before the Irish's first game against Rice as the investigation ran its course. He began practicing with the team last week.
Russell and Williams plan to return next season while Moore is leaving the school. Daniels has not announced whether he will stay or Notre Dame or attempt to enter the NFL.
Hardy's return helps Notre Dame at safety, where the Irish are missing Austin Collinsworth, who has battled various injuries this season. Collinsworth missed time earlier this season because of a sprained MCL and is currently recovering from a left shoulder injury.
