Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/102697
Under the Dome Getting To Know … Freshman Cornerback Keivarae Russell Nickname: "They call me 'Special K.' I got that nickname in high school, and it kind of stuck with me." Dorm: "Sorin Hall." Major: "Business, marketing or management; I'm not sure." Favorite class: "I like theology; theology is great. You find your inner self, you find God and who He actually is." Favorite off-campus spot: "I don't really go off campus much. I'd have to say Jamba Juice or Chipotle. They're right across from each other, so I have to get both." Dream vacation: "I want to go to London or Brazil one day when I grow up if I've got the money." Best movie you've seen lately: "'The Dark Knight Rises.' [The film's villain] Bane is legit." TV show you hate to miss: "'George Lopez.'" Song or artist you're listening to most right now: "Chief Keef's 'Say She Love Me.'" Role model: "My grandfather. He didn't have a great childhood, but success doesn't have a time limit. He worked hard all of his life. After his 20s, he started to work hard as a dishwasher, started off small, then he was a construction worker and made like $40 an hour. It takes time. I love that guy." Favorite pro athlete: "[New York Jets cornerback] Darrelle Revis is my guy. To watch Revis is a great thing. He shuts down players, and many of them don't even catch a ball." Best player you've gone up against: "I'd have to go with [USC wide receiver] Marqise Lee. That was a test for me for sure." Dream job if football didn't exist: "I'm trying to own a business one day. I want to be able to make some money one day; I want to wear a suit and tie, and run things." You Have One Last Meal, What Is It? "I'm going to go with shrimp, steak and pasta — a home cooked meal. Then you have to have a side of Hawaiian Punch, cold, with ice in it, and you're good." Fifth Years Still To Be Determined Although the left side of Notre Dame's offensive line with tackle Zack Martin and guard Chris Watt have already indicated their intent to return in 2013, it will likely remain unclear until around National Signing Day (Feb. 6) who else will be back. Among prime 2012 figures with such eligibility are running back Cierre Wood and Will linebackers Dan Fox and Carlo Calabrese. Wood entered his name into NFL Draft evaluation and had until Jan. 15 to decide. Fox, whose 57 tackles were the fourth most on the team during the 2012 regular season, said in a Dec. 29 meeting with the media that he'd like to be back but … "It's up to Coach [Brian] Kelly," Fox replied. "I would love to come back, but nothing has been said." Safety Jamoris Slaughter has petitioned for a sixth season. The NCAA permits 85 scholarship players in football. If Notre Dame signs the full 25-man class of recruits it is permitted this February, that would leave room for four fifth-year (or sixth-year) seniors. If it signs 24, then five could come back, etc. However, if other players are put on general university medical hardship scholarships — which has recently included running back Cam Roberson and offensive lineman Brad Carrico — or transfer, that too would open up some spots. — Lou Somogyi