A week or so after Avery Sebastian announced it on social media, Notre Dame has confirmed it.
In a press release sent out Wednesday morning, the Irish announced that the defensive back has officially been added to the football program’s roster. Sebastian decided to transfer from Cal for his final season at the collegiate level.
Because he graduated from Cal this past December, Sebastian will be eligible to play immediately in 2015.
“Avery Sebastian is an experienced and versatile player,” said head coach Brian Kelly in a statement. “He played safety and contributed on every special teams unit over his career at California. Avery gives us some additional depth in the secondary and also brings a work ethic and excitement to compete that will build throughout the team.
“Avery will help our football team right away, but more important, he is the type of young man that we want in this program. Avery carries himself in a first-class manner, on and off the field. He’s also committed to his academics, graduating from both high school and college in three and a half years, respectively.”
If Sebastian stays healthy, he should provide an immediate boost to the Irish secondary. Therein lies the problem, though, as he was limited to seven games in 2014 due to a quad injury, and suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the opener the year before.
When healthy, Sebastian played in 33 games for the Bears, starting six of those contests at safety.
“I’m very thankful to head coach Brian Kelly and the rest of the coaching staff and administration for giving me the opportunity to come play at the University of Notre Dame,” said Sebastian. “I think academically, spiritually and athletically will make Notre Dame a perfect fit. I’ve got one year to make an impact and I plan on making the most of this opportunity. I look forward to joining the Notre Dame family.
“I’m eager to meet my teammates. Like the coaching staff and players alike, our objective is to field a better product than the year before. My hope is that we field one of college football’s best teams this upcoming year. I’ve got veteran experience in the secondary, and familiarity with multiple defenses and opposing offenses.”
(Photo credit: Cal athletics)