Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/638727
It's just a different path. Really just looking forward to this opportunity. I just want to thank everyone for re- ally having my back and trusting my decision." Less obvious were the decisions by Fuller, Russell and Prosise. Fuller told reporters in November that he would return to Notre Dame as a senior in 2016 to finish his career and degree from the university, but a source told Blue & Gold Illustrated in early December that he was telling people around him that he was turn- ing pro after the bowl game and that his previous announcement was to lessen the individual distraction sur- rounding the team. After posting two of the best seasons for wide receivers in the country in 2014 and 2015, Fuller decided to head to the NFL Draft, where he is expected to go anywhere from the late first round to the third round. "First, I would like to start off by thanking my coaches, family, team- mates, friends and fans that have sup- ported me throughout my football ca- reer," Fuller said in a statement. "The University of Notre Dame is not just a learning institution. It has afforded me an incomparable life ex- perience, and for this, I will forever be grateful. Playing with Team No. 127 is an experience I will always celebrate and I have made brothers for life. "My heart truly wanted to return to Notre Dame, but it has also been a lifelong dream to play football in the NFL. After taking all of this into lengthy consideration, I believe it is in my best interest to forgo my senior season and enter the 2016 draft. "Again, thank you for all the support and I hope you continue on this journey with me." After starting at cornerback as a freshman on the 12-1 team in 2012, Russell seemed destined for the NFL Draft following his junior season. But after starting every game in 2012 and 2013, he sat out the entire 2014 slate as a result of the university's academic investigation. He returned to the field in 2015 with inconsistent results and would have needed clearance from the NCAA to return as a fifth-year senior in 2016. Wide receiver Will Fuller ini- tially indicated he planned to return for his senior sea- son at Notre Dame, but ulti- mately decided to forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft. PHOTO BY BILL PANZICA