Notre Dame freshman Shaun Crawford lost for season

SOUTH BEND — A rising star in the Notre Dame defensive backfield had his bright future put on hold Wednesday.

Irish head football coach Brian Kelly announced freshman cornerback Shaun Crawford, the team’s top nickel back, suffered a torn ACL in his knee during Wednesday morning’s practice and will be lost for the season.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound product of St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, was one of a plethora of first-year Irish players who have impressed during training camp. Crawford was also competing for a spot returning kickoffs.

Kelly can go a few different directions in replacing Crawford. Safety Matthias Farley has experience in nickel coverage. He could also use starting corners KeiVarae Russell and Cole Luke with another rising freshman, Nick Coleman.

"Shaun Crawford is incredible." Farley said Tuesday, the day before the injury. "He’s so fast and quick and always around the ball. which has been exciting to watch. Nick Coleman has done really well.”

Crawford will be eligible for a medical redshirt year.

Adversity is opportunity. Thanks for all the support! Time to get to work #GoIrish

— Crawf (@1ShaunCrawford) August 20, 2015//