Notre Dame safety Eilar Hardy cleared to play by NCAA

Three weeks after being invited back to Notre Dame’s roster, senior Eilar Hardy has been cleared to play by the NCAA. Michael Bertsch, the school’s Director of Football Media Relations, announced the news Friday morning.

Hardy, a reserve safety, was one of five Fighting Irish players who were investigated for academic fraud beginning in August. The five were held out of competition and practice during the investigation, which concluded last month. The other four – cornerback KeiVarae Russell, receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive lineman Ishaq Williams and linebacker Kendall Moore – are not permitted to return to the team this season.

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said October 16 that Hardy had some academic work to do before he could return to the practice field.

“We have some things to work on, he’s working on right now,” Kelly said. “Some of his classes and things of that nature. But I’ve invited him back on the roster to practice and then we’ll take it from there.”

Hardy started two games and played in a total of 10 games for the Fighting Irish in 2013. He recorded 26 tackles and one tackle for loss, but was not listed on the team’s two-deep depth chart during preseason camp.

For more Notre Dame news, visit IrishIllustrated.com.

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