'12 WA RB Keivarae Russell (Notre Dame Signed LOI)

[greyhammer90]

Incredible job for a 19 year old to play one on one with the best receiver in the country.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

He held the best receiver in the country to 5 catches and no touchdowns. He played smart and had an interception on top of it. His play has been great for a freshman converted running back. He's going to be lockdown sooner rather than later.

 

[BGIF]

He held the best receiver in the country to 5 catches and no touchdowns. He played smart and had an interception on top of it. His play has been great for a freshman converted running back. He's going to be lockdown sooner rather than later.

He's already a takedown.

 

[ACamp1900]

One of our best open field tacklers also... Who would have thought that?! Though, lets not fake the funk... He'll be targeted all night on the seventh.... No question.

 

[Old Man Mike]

Keivaree [and Bennett for that matter] are the reasons why, since about halfway through the season] I have been COMPLETELY relaxed about our cornerback situation for the next year or so, and don't see why everyone is so desperate about any one potential recruit. Keivaree Russell looks like an AA-coming-to-be to me --- I mean REALLY, after NO true CB experience and this guy ALREADY plays like this? What a blessing to have the staff see the potential and develop him into a future NFLer.

 

[EifertPower]

I dont think we would be playing in the national title game on the 7th had Darby and Sheppard been our cornerbacks.

 

[Praytorian]

ND wouldn't have goal line stands without Russell's early tackles in the end zone.

Somebody has to set the table.

I don't think I've ever seen penalties used so effectively to prevent scores.

I laughed hard at that. I do agree on the first call, the 2nd call was a little pitty pat though. I didnt see that much contact at least not as much as I had seen on some usc players who didn't get it called on.

 

[irishff1014]

I dont think we would be playing in the national title game on the 7th had Darby and Sheppard been our cornerbacks.

Darby didn't want to be here so he can watch at home. Tee had his problems but oh well Russell earned his spot and has done a damn good job and deserves to play.

 

[Buster Bluth]

I dont think we would be playing in the national title game on the 7th had Darby and Sheppard been our cornerbacks.

lol

 

[ChiND03]

I think Russell did a great job on Lee...now I'd love to see him on an island with Amari holding him to 3 catches at the half and no td's

 

[Rizzophil]

I dont think we would be playing in the national title game on the 7th had Darby and Sheppard been our cornerbacks.

I can honestly ask, why would you post that after ND is in the championship game. Just be thankful!

 

[yankeeND]

Russell = Stud

After watching him play against Woods and Lee, I feel a lot better about our chances vs Bama or UGA's receivers. Russell will be a 4 year starting CB that gets drafted. He tackles very well, his cover skills are improving, and he so athletic! This kid is a big reason we are gonna play for a NC! Don't kid yourself, what he did for this team is nothing short of amazing!

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I laughed hard at that. I do agree on the first call, the 2nd call was a little pitty pat though. I didnt see that much contact at least not as much as I had seen on some usc players who didn't get it called on.

I agree with that. The second PI in the endzone was a bad call, gave it to Lee based on his rep.

 

[Rocky2820]

Russell = Stud

After watching him play against Woods and Lee, I feel a lot better about our chances vs Bama or UGA's receivers. Russell will be a 4 year starting CB that gets drafted. He tackles very well, his cover skills are improving, and he so athletic! This kid is a big reason we are gonna play for a NC! Don't kid yourself, what he did for this team is nothing short of amazing!

Agree with all of this.

 

[eNDzone]

This kid has also had some TD saving tackles this year that were game changers.

 

[irishff1014]

He has the football smarts no doubt about it. The PI call was smart that was going to be 6 points Russell knew it and saved us. He is probably the best all around tackler in the secondary. This young man is only going to get better.

 

[BGIF]

I laughed hard at that. I do agree on the first call, the 2nd call was a little pitty pat though. I didnt see that much contact at least not as much as I had seen on some usc players who didn't get it called on.

On the second call, Lee was on the outside and Russell on the inside at about 4 o'clock. The ball was underthrown to the inside of Russell away and behind from Lee and Russell. Lee actually had to fight through Russell if he was to catch the ball. I suspect the Back Judge was who was roughly at 10 o'clock ,opposite Russell on the other side of Lee, could not see Lee hand fighting with Russell. I suspect he only saw elbows and shoulders and assumed Russell interferred. Even if he had, the ball was off Russell's far hip and uncatchable by Lee.

This is all from memory. I watched the game a second time last night. The first play was a clear takedown. The second should've been a no call. Had the ball hit the back of Russell's helmet, yeah. Wittek underthrew the ball.

 

[irishfanjho15]

This kid should get major consideration for Freshman All-American at corner.

 

[dublinirish]

What impresses me the most about KVR is his mental toughness and football smarts. He never stopped battling, and ditto for BJax these guys are just so locked in mentally its great to see.

 

[irishknight35]

Russell and BJax are obviously incredibly gifted athletes but the way they both play sound fundamentally and constantly in position to make plays screams great coaching. Cheers to coach Cooks and the Defensive staff.

 

[dublinirish]

just thought of KVR's "uh oh!" comment when asking how he felt when Diaco told him he was starting game 1 versus Navy. Great to see PLAYER DEVELOPMENT at ND now which was something we never ever saw under Weis.

 

[NDPhilly]

Next year Bennett and Keivarae will be one of the best tandems in the country. There pretty damn good now.

 

[Walter White]

He has the football smarts no doubt about it. The PI call was smart that was going to be 6 points Russell knew it and saved us. He is probably the best all around tackler in the secondary. This young man is only going to get better.

I strongly disagree. He is by no means bad at tackling, but his form and technique could use some work. He is getting by with exceptional athletic ability, strength, and football IQ right now. Its exciting to think what he can accomplish next year with an off-season. He most certainly will get better as you said.

Motta and Jackson are much better tacklers right now imo.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Next year Bennett and Keivarae will be one of the best tandems in the country. There pretty damn good now.

Um ok...keep drinking the kool aid.

Go look at Florida and Alabama roster.

 

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

Um ok...keep drinking the kool aid.

Go look at Florida and Alabama roster.

Milliner will go pro but Bama always reloads. Jackson and Russell won't be the best in the nation but it will be in the upper echelon.

 

[ShakeDown]

Um ok...keep drinking the kool aid.

Go look at Florida and Alabama roster.

He didn't say best, just one of the best.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

He didn't say best, just one of the best.

Still don't know about that.

 

[ThePiombino]

He didn't say best, just one of the best.

Remember when everyone thought Gray was a shoe-in for AA status coming into his final year?

 

[Buster Bluth]

Remember when everyone thought Gray was a shoe-in for AA status coming into his final year?

They overreacted then too. Fans will be fans.

Jackson/Russell will be good next year. They will not be among the best.

 

[GoIrish41]

As long as our front 7 continues to play lights out, our secondary will look like they are great. There are some big holes to fill next year on the front 7 though.