Notre Dame’s NFL draft prospects

Sep 7, 2013; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Jeremy Gallon (21) catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback KeiVarae Russell (6) in the second quarter at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

KeiVarae Russell

KeiVarae Russell started the first 26 games of his Notre Dame career, earning 2012 freshman All-American honors. He was on multiple 2014 preseason award watch lists before he was shut down for the season. He was under some type of investigation for what many call, “potential academic dishonesty that summer.”

He has since been reinstated and he’s now looking to climb back up the ladder to elite college corner status. At 6’0″, 190 pounds, Russell has good sized to match up with bigger, physical targets. He has the feet, hips and speed to cover the smaller receivers that rely on speed plus he has NFL-level ball skills.

The last year he took the field for Notre Dame he led the Irish in passes defended (nine) in 2013. And Saturday night, Russell looked like he didn’t miss a beat and was still an elite prospect. He looked really good in coverage in the process of helping his Irish hold Texas Longhorns to just three points.

Next: Jaylon Smith