Notre Dame's Alize Jones: Cleared to return

Jones (academics) is cleared to return to the team and will participate in spring practice, Tom Loy of 247Sports reports.

Analysis:

Jones was ruled academically ineligible for the 2016 season right before fall camp, which left the Irish thin at tight end. As such, Durham Smythe served as Notre Dame's starting tight end on recorded just nine receptions on the year. Jones, who averaged 14.62 yards per reception as a freshman in 2015, figures to compete for the starting role once spring practice begins.