Keivarae Russell commits to Notre Dame

By Stephen Spiewak Dec 29, 2011, 12:55pm

Washington running back is heading to South Bend.

Keivarae Russell, the nation's No. 138 recruit, committed to Notre Dame today, according to the Seattle Times.

Keivarae Russell, Mariner
Keivarae Russell, Mariner
Photo by Tom Lemming
The 6-foot, 182-pound running back from Mariner (Everett, Wash.) chose the Fighting Irish over home-state Washington.

"Notre Dame, as far as athletically and academically, you can't beat it," Russell said. "Once you get a degree from Notre Dame, you're basically set for life."

Russell's commitment comes just two days after Notre Dame narrowly lost out on the nation's No. 1 recruit Gunner Kiel, who committed to LSU.

Landing two top running backs was a priority for Notre Dame this recruiting cycle after only reeling in Cam McDaniel in the previous recruiting cycle. It pursued both Keith Marshall and Byron Marshall but came up short for each.



Russell joins Ohio running back William Mahone, a power runner who should complement Russell nicely.

In helping Mariner to a 5-5 season, Russell earned first team all-state honors in Washington's Class 4A.

Image for MaxPreps Video.