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Former Florida DB Cody Riggs transfers to Notre Dame

Five years after Notre Dame recruited defensive back Cody Riggs, the fifth-senior defensive back will finally join the Irish.

Notre Dame announced Wednesday that Riggs was transferring from Florida to Notre Dame for his fifth year of eligibility. Riggs is graduating from Florida and plans to enroll as a grad student in Notre Dame’s business school.

As a grad student, Riggs will be eligible to play immediately.

Riggs spent his first three seasons as a cornerback before being shifted to safety last season. He started 26 games for the Gators, including all 12 a year ago.

"Cody Riggs is an outstanding player," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said in a statement. "He played a ton of football at Florida having started at both safety and corner back. Cody definitely brings veteran leadership and versatility to our team and defense.

"He will help us immediately but, more importantly, Cody is a great kid with a tremendous focus on both football and academics. His decision to complete his collegiate playing career and pursue a graduate degree at the University of Notre Dame speaks volumes about both our program and University."

Notre Dame will likely move Riggs back to corner to play opposite KeiVarae Russell. He will have to compete with rising sophomores Cole Luke, Devin Butler and Rashad Kinlaw, along with incoming freshman Nick Watkins. But Riggs gives the Irish valuable experience it didn’t otherwise have.

"I am very thankful for this opportunity," Riggs said in a statement. "I fully intend to make the most of this opportunity by not only giving my absolute best effort, but also leading by example both on and off the field.”

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Graham Watson

is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!