KeiVarae Russell says DaVaris Daniels likely to return to Notre Dame

Could another of the Frozen Five eventually return?

Cornerback KeiVarae Russell, one of the five players at the center of Notre Dame’s academic fraud investigation, wrote on his Instagram account Thursday that another of the five, wide receiver DaVaris Daniels “is likely to return to Notre Dame with me next year.”

Russell had said earlier that he will not play this season but plans to return for his senior year in 2015. Daniels, who retains one season of eligibility, had said on Twitter that he would not return.

"Not looking to transfer. ND was my team. ND is where my heart was. Unfortunately my time here is done, ready for my future," Daniels tweeted last week.

Daniels' father, Phillip, however, tweeted last week that there is an option for DaVaris to return in 2015 and that it was being considered.

Defensive end Ishaq Williams also plans to return for a fifth year in 2015, although linebacker Kendall Moore, a fifth-year player, said that he will not. Irish coach Brian Kelly said last week that safety Eilar Hardy could return to practice next week if he can get some academic matters organized.

A message left for Daniels Thursday night was not immediately returned.

The following is the portion of the Instagram post from Russell pertaining to Daniels’ situation.

“Im sure my followers and the country will be pleased to hear that he is now likely to return to Notre Dame with me next year despite what media says!! Watch how we take this negative and turn it into somethin special and memorable! Both gonna make people wish we didn't have this much time to work!”