Just a handful of days before the start of a new season, Notre Dame has reportedly lost a player from the defensive side of the ball via a transfer,
According to IrishIllustrated.com, defensive back Chris Badger has decided to leave the Fighting Irish and transfer to BYU. The safety’s father subsequently confirmed to the Salt Lake Tribune that his son will move on to the Cougars.
Neither Notre Dame nor BYU have confirmed the subtraction/addition.
More than likely, Badger will be forced to sit out the 2013 season, although the Tribune reported that the player will appeal to the NCAA for a waiver that would allow the Provo, Utah, native to play immediately. According to the Chicago Tribune, the appeal will be based on Badger’s mother being ill.
He would have three years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2014 if the appeal is unsuccessful.
Badger, a three-star member of ND’s 2010 recruiting class, took a redshirt his true freshman season last year. Shortly after Badger signed on for what was Brian Kelly’s first recruiting class, he left school after the 2010 spring semester ended to participate in a mission in Ecuador for the LDS church. He returned to the school in June of last year according to his online bio.
(Photo credit: Notre Dame athletics)