Published: Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Russell makes it official: He's an Irish
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Sarah Weiser / The Herald
KeiVarae Russell celebrates with Mariner High School football coach Tom Myhre after announcing he is heading to Notre Dame on Dec. 30.
EVERETT -- Mariner star running back and Notre Dame recruit KeiVarae Russell was one of many local athletes to sign a national letter of intent on Wednesday, the first day college recruits could sign binding forms to play football at the next level.
Russell signed his papers and faxed them to Notre Dame from the conference room at Mariner at about 8 a.m.
"I feel so relieved," Russell said in a text afterwards. "My mindset is now on one school and focused on my normal life again.
For a complete list of the players who signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, click here
In his press conference Wednesday, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly stressed how much he liked Russell's attitude.
"The first thing that hit me when recruiting KeiVarae was his personality," Kelly said. "Always positive. Always talking about the future and what he hopes to accomplish. I love being around young men that have a plan.
"And again he's an outstanding player," Kelly continued, breaking into a slight smile. "or we wouldn't be recruiting him. His playing ability also fits that profile we're looking for at the running back position that he lined up at the (Army All-American game) at wide receiver ... he can play wide receiver, he can play the running back position and can also be a specialist for us."
For a video of Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly talking about KeiVarae Russell, click here (Part on Russell is at 14:05)
While admitting he felt "a little nervous," Russell reaffirmed his commitment to the Fighting Irish, saying it's the best school for him. The Army All-American Bowl participant selected Notre Dame over schools such as Washington, California and the University of Southern California.
"Man it feels wonderful," Russell said. "It's a great institution and one I believe I can truly flourish at. It's a big accomplishment for my family and I."
Russell will head to Notre Dame just days after he graduates from Mariner on June 8.
Russell signed his papers and faxed them to Notre Dame from the conference room at Mariner at about 8 a.m.
"I feel so relieved," Russell said in a text afterwards. "My mindset is now on one school and focused on my normal life again.
For a complete list of the players who signed National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, click here
In his press conference Wednesday, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly stressed how much he liked Russell's attitude.
"The first thing that hit me when recruiting KeiVarae was his personality," Kelly said. "Always positive. Always talking about the future and what he hopes to accomplish. I love being around young men that have a plan.
"And again he's an outstanding player," Kelly continued, breaking into a slight smile. "or we wouldn't be recruiting him. His playing ability also fits that profile we're looking for at the running back position that he lined up at the (Army All-American game) at wide receiver ... he can play wide receiver, he can play the running back position and can also be a specialist for us."
For a video of Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly talking about KeiVarae Russell, click here (Part on Russell is at 14:05)
While admitting he felt "a little nervous," Russell reaffirmed his commitment to the Fighting Irish, saying it's the best school for him. The Army All-American Bowl participant selected Notre Dame over schools such as Washington, California and the University of Southern California.
"Man it feels wonderful," Russell said. "It's a great institution and one I believe I can truly flourish at. It's a big accomplishment for my family and I."
Russell will head to Notre Dame just days after he graduates from Mariner on June 8.
Story tags »
• Mariner High School • High School FootballRelated
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