NCAA clears Notre Dame's KeiVarae Russell to return

Notre Dame cornerback KeiVarae Russell has been fully cleared by the NCAA to return to the field following a year-long suspension, head coach Brian Kelly announced Tuesday.

Russell was suspended last season for academic dishonesty.

The Fighting Irish will be glad to have him back. The corner totaled more than 100 tackles during his first two seasons with the team, and added three interceptions.

Kelly has allowed Russell to practice with the team throughout the offseason, so his transition back to the lineup should be relatively smooth.

Russell was recruited by Notre Dame as a running back but was moved to corner as a freshman in 2012, when he helped the Fighting Irish to an appearance in the national title game.