Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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can finally move forward." Prior to this August, Russell partici- pated in spring ball as well as a hand- ful of fall practices in 2014 under the instruction of new defensive coordina- tor Brian VanGorder, who is entering his second season. Although he praised VanGorder's predecessor, Bob Diaco, he said he thinks the current defense high- lights his abilities the most. "Because I felt like I didn't finish enough or show enough," Russell said when asked why he returned to Notre Dame. "I really feel I can be the best cor- ner in the country. You all heard that my sophomore year when I told you I could be the best corner in the country. I loved Diaco's defense — but I felt like with Brian VanGorder's defense, it can really help me out to have the ability to show who I am. "You all saw the videos when I train and how athletic I am. That's what I do: jump, run, I'm an athlete. I believe I'm one of the best athletes in the country. This defense allows me to do that, being able to press guys all day and using my abilities: speed, strength, all my strength that I have developed over time play- ing the corner position the last couple years." The other component of his decision to return? The drive to win a national championship. "I want to be a champion," he said. "I want to win a ring. I believe this team is special. I looked at the roster and all the guys coming back, and saw all the guys I've built relationships with. "I told Sports Illustrated I feel like it'd be a coward move if I just left. I feel like I had stuff I had to finish as a leader and as a player. I had to come back. It was an easy decision." ✦