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

[Grahambo]

Number of tackles is the most misleading stat. It doesn't take into account missed tackles and where they occurred. How about missed assignments that lead to big plays?

Well, that and you don't want your safety having 14 tackles.

 

[ulukinatme]

I have also seen KVR get beat all by himself on several occasions. Kid is a tremendous talent but he hasn't played to the level he should be playing at. Maybe he has a nagging injury or something slowing him down so I don't want to be too critical. But his coverage this year hasn't been any better than slightly above average at best.

This. KVR was looking very, very good at the end of 2013. He was becoming an excellent lock down corner. I'm not sure if he lost a little something in his suspension or he's had trouble picking up VanGordor's system, but he's not been quite as good as he was. To be honest the secondary as a whole hasn't been all that great, they've played well on occasion, but they have to be the weakest group on our defense right now.

 

[irish4ever]

This. KVR was looking very, very good at the end of 2013. He was becoming an excellent lock down corner. I'm not sure if he lost a little something in his suspension or he's had trouble picking up VanGordor's system, but he's not been quite as good as he was. To be honest the secondary as a whole hasn't been all that great, they've played well on occasion, but they have to be the weakest group on our defense right now.

That's scary with the thought that U$C is coming up in less than 2 wks. I hope they don't make Kessler look like a Heisman candidate on that day. Not overlooking Navy, but Navy's passing attack is NOT going to beat the Irish.

 

[potownhero]

This. KVR was looking very, very good at the end of 2013. He was becoming an excellent lock down corner. I'm not sure if he lost a little something in his suspension or he's had trouble picking up VanGordor's system, but he's not been quite as good as he was. To be honest the secondary as a whole hasn't been all that great, they've played well on occasion, but they have to be the weakest group on our defense right now.

When the pass rush goes from good to not good....this is what happens to a secondary.

 

[Kingbish01]

Does KVR wear a neck brace during the game? That's all I can come up with as to why this kid can't get his head turned around when the ball is in the air. I feel like KVR is my 2015 Golson. I was so pumped to see Golson come back after working with GW, thought he would be a flat out stud.....AND he wasn't. Watched all these workout videos of KVR during his time off, thought for sure he'd be the best corner we have had in a LONG time....AND he's not.

 

[ulukinatme]

When the pass rush goes from good to not good....this is what happens to a secondary.

I'm not saying we have the world's best pass rush, but there's this misconception that we have a bad pass rush because we don't have x number of sacks. Some teams do a good job of employing quick passing attacks which will completely negate our rush. I've made the point that even Justin Tuck wouldn't be able to get to the QB in time based on how fast the ball has come out of the QB's hands. Obviously not every team we've played this year has been that way, but UMass comes to mind. I would be concerned if our DL wasn't getting to the QB and the opposing QB had lots of time in the pocket. Have any teams we faced had a QB just sitting in the pocket for long periods with the rush not getting to him? Maybe on a play here and there, but I think consistently our guys are trying to get after it and they're putting pressure on. They're just not getting there because the ball is often already gone.

Based on the above observation it's not the DL's fault that the secondary has struggled at times. If opposing QBs had all day to throw I certainly wouldn't fault our secondary for eventually breaking down. Any group of WRs can get open given enough time. I'm talking about busted coverages, mental errors, poor angles, missed assignments, etc. Those things have nothing to do with our pass rush, those are mistakes that belong with the secondary. Redfield and KVR are upperclassmen that should be on top of things by now, but they've made some costly mistakes this year (And for Redfield it goes back to last season too).

What could we do differently? That's not really my forte, I'm more of a trenches guy. Maybe we need to employ more press coverage when the opponent is using quick passes. Disrupting the receivers routes would allow our DL the time to get to the QB. It seems like we play off from the receivers an awful lot, which is probably why they're using those quick passes. Maybe VanGordor needs to make that call, but I'm more concerned with stuff like Max biting on the fakes and KVR making boneheaded mistakes like the PI call. I'm not even sure why he needed the interference to break up the pass, it looked like he was stride for stride with the receiver. Maybe he got tripped up, but I couldn't tell. That certainly wasn't Russell's only mistake this year, he definitely isn't where he was going back to the end of 2013. Whether it's a missed step or trying to learn VanGordor's system, he's not where he should be yet.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

So here is a question? Does Kei have another year of eligibility left since he never redshirted? If so, do you think he would entertain coming back since he doesn't look like the high draft pick a lot of people thought he would be? Just a thought. I could be wrong, I have been drinking.

 

[Luckylucci]

So here is a question? Does Kei have another year of eligibility left since he never redshirted? If so, do you think he would entertain coming back since he doesn't look like the high draft pick a lot of people thought he would be? Just a thought. I could be wrong, I have been drinking.

I'd be interested to hear what scouts are sayin but personally I think he can still get a second day grade. He'll blow up the combine and somebody will draft him around there. Also, a majority of his poor play has been in off man coverage, you're not drafting him to play that game often. Just like Richard Sherman doesn't play off man well, same goes for KVR. With that said, I do think there is a lot of improvement that needs to happen.

To answer your question, yes I believe he has another year.

 

[GrangerIrish24]

I'd be interested to hear what scouts are sayin but personally I think he can still get a second day grade. He'll blow up the combine and somebody will draft him around there. Also, a majority of his poor play has been in off man coverage, you're not drafting him to play that game often. Just like Richard Sherman doesn't play off man well, same goes for KVR. With that said, I do think there is a lot of improvement that needs to happen.

To answer your question, yes I believe he has another year.

True, plus GMs are always looking for secondary upgrades since it is such a pass heavy league. Just wishful thinking.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Yes I believe he has a another year left. I also think he should come back. But I think he will leave and be a day two pick.


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[ThePiombino]

So here is a question? Does Kei have another year of eligibility left since he never redshirted? If so, do you think he would entertain coming back since he doesn't look like the high draft pick a lot of people thought he would be? Just a thought. I could be wrong, I have been drinking.

I'd be interested to hear what scouts are sayin but personally I think he can still get a second day grade. He'll blow up the combine and somebody will draft him around there. Also, a majority of his poor play has been in off man coverage, you're not drafting him to play that game often. Just like Richard Sherman doesn't play off man well, same goes for KVR. With that said, I do think there is a lot of improvement that needs to happen.

To answer your question, yes I believe he has another year.

True, plus GMs are always looking for secondary upgrades since it is such a pass heavy league. Just wishful thinking.

Yes I believe he has a another year left. I also think he should come back. But I think he will leave and be a day two pick.


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He has another year of eligibility as per the NCAA (5 years to play 4), but the question is would ND deem him eligible for a 5th year. Anyone have any idea?

 

[Luckylucci]

I don't see why not. What is your concern around why they wouldn't? Past experience?

 

[ThePiombino]

I don't see why not. What is your concern around why they wouldn't? Past experience?

I vaguely remember some back and forth on this board (maybe it was ISD) over whether or not he would have met the academic requirements in order to be offered a 5th year. I don't remember- did he attend classes at a CC in Washington last year? And if so, do we know if any of those would be transferable to ND? I guess the concern for me would be whether or not he would be eligible for a Master's next year at ND.

 

[Luckylucci]

He did take classes and I'm pretty confident some of those we're accepted by the university.

 

[peoriairish]

I think the reason they may not give him the 5th year is because of the reason he sat out the year. They usually give the 5th year options to graduate students as well, not just undergrads taking 5 to graduate. Some of it may depend if he's able to graduate in May then take grad school classes of some sort.

At least that's my analysis of the situation.

 

[pkt77242]

I think the reason they may not give him the 5th year is because of the reason he sat out the year. They usually give the 5th year options to graduate students as well, not just undergrads taking 5 to graduate. Some of it may depend if he's able to graduate in May then take grad school classes of some sort.

At least that's my analysis of the situation.

I could see him having to the end of summer to graduate.

 

[peoriairish]

I could see him having to the end of summer to graduate.

Absolutely. Good call.

 

[FightingIrishLover7]

I've been critical of Keivarae's play all year.

Tonight, he played amazing.

Now, where's my crow? It's dinner time.

 

[JD Irish]

The interception and the PBU in that short time span were huge, game-changing plays. Awesome to watch.

 

[Junkhead]

I've been critical of Keivarae's play all year.

Tonight, he played amazing.

Now, where's my crow? It's dinner time.

He's back! A few great plays. ND gave up 590yds with 440 of that through the air, but it was good enough.

 

[Redbar]

Good on you Kev!

 

[Bogtrotter07]

Everyone said KR was on a mission this week. I guess it is one of those when the going gets tough, the tough get going situations!

He really proved what kind of man was really behind the mouth tonight!

 

[rtrn2glory]

May hav finally turned the corner tonight.

 

[greyhammer90]

May hav finally turned the corner tonight.

I'll believe it when I see it. A corner is only as good as he is consistent. He played well tonight but he still got abused against Clemson.

 

[pkt77242]

I'll believe it when I see it. A corner is only as good as he is consistent. He played well tonight but he still got abused against Clemson.

True but he did have a year off. Not shocking that it would take a bit to shake off the rust.

 

[GBdomer]

GAME BALL!! AWESOME JOB #6

 

[Veritate Duce Progredi]

Sometimes a little confidence can go a long way. Not saying KVR lacked bravado but now his play has provided momentum in a game. Let's hope that makes him sharp. Same with Redfield.

 

[irishff1014]

That interception was very well played. I would say he played good but other then that when you give up 400 plus passing yards you can say the secondary as a whole didn't do their job.

 

[aubeirish]

That interception was very well played. I would say he played good but other then that when you give up 400 plus passing yards you can say the secondary as a whole didn't do their job.

That may be true, but it also had to do with Kessler always being able to step out of the pocket and let his receiver give him an outlet. That's a tough situation no matter how good your secondary is...

 

[CincyDamer]

GAME BALL!! AWESOME JOB #6

ESB got the game ball.