Notre Dame trying to get Jamoris Slaughter 6th year of eligibility

Notre Dame safety Jamoris Slaughter, a fifth-year senior, ruptured his Achilles tendon in the Week 3, ending his season. Now, the Fighting Irish are petitioning the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility for Slaughter. Head coach Brian Kelly says the process is well underway, via the Chicago Tribune:

"(Assistant athletics director for compliance) Jen Vining-Smith is leading that. She has been really good at filing those appeals and waivers. She's in the process of that. Nothing will happen on that until after the season because the NCAA will deal with immediate action eligibility stuff. We've got all the paperwork, all the ducks in a row to move that forward."

In three games this season, Slaughter totaled eight tackles and one pass breakup for the Irish. He has played in 39 games for Notre Dame, starting 19, and compiled 98 tackles, nine pass breakups, four tackles for loss, three interceptions and two sacks.

Should Slaughter be granted a sixth year by the NCAA, Notre Dame will be loaded at defensive back in 2013. The Irish return three of four current starters and would have two injured potential starters – Slaughter and Lo Wood –back in the fold.

Notre Dame (8-0) next hosts Pittsburgh Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on NBC.