Jamoris Slaughter Will Play Again, But Will it Be at Notre Dame?

Going into last season, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defense had a solid secondary on paper. Fifth-year starter Jamoris Slaughter and senior Zeke Motta were expected to be the standouts in the secondary.

Things did not work out as expected for Slaughter, who injured his Achilles on the first play of the second half against Michigan State. Slaughter was not able to walk over to the sideline and had to be helped off the field, and in an instant he saw his season, and possibly his Notre Dame career, come to a halt.

Well, his season was over yes, but career? Not yet anyway. Slaughter applied for a sixth season of eligibility and was denied but he did not take no for an answer. Slaughter appealed the NCAA decision and is awaiting their response that is expected to become before National Signing Day next Wednesday.

Slaughter does have a legitimate case for requesting the sixth year. He was only able to play three games during his senior season that was ended to a devastating injury. Slaughter also stated that in his first season, he was red shirted due to injury.

Slaughter would be a great addition to the Notre Dame defense that will be without the graduating  Motta, who will be headed to the NFL. Slaughter would join Mathias Farley, who had a solid season after replacing him in the secondary. Slaughter would be a great mentor to incoming recruit Max Redfield and the returning Austin Collinsworth, who was also out last season due to injury. Slaughter showed his leadership this season working with Farley and the rest of the Irish defensive backs, giving them support and encouragement.

The question of whether or not the NCAA will allow Slaughter to come back to Notre Dame should be resolved soon. Slaughter had a good career while playing for the Irish, and it would be great for him to get back on the field in blue and gold. Slaughter has been rehabbing and if the NCAA does not overturn his appeal, Slaughter will be back on the field next season because he should not have a problem catching on with a professional team.