Notre Dame Football: Tee Shepard No Longer a Member of Fighting Irish

In an announcement made earlier this morning, Tee Shepard has left the program and has returned home to his family in Fresno, Cal. 

In a press release, head coach Brian Kelly said a few words about Shepard. 

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"Tee is a special person and it's unfortunate it didn't work out here. Everyone at Notre Dame wishes him all the best in the future."

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Immediate details of why Shepard has left the program remain a mystery, but more information is likely to be forthcoming. 

This is grave news for the Fighting Irish, whose secondary is now in further disarray without Shepard. Pass defense is, without question, the weakest facet of the game for Brian Kelly's squad. 

Where the Irish go from here is unknown, but spring practices will give us more answers as time goes on. 

And if there's one clear storyline stemming from this announcement, it's that Brian Kelly and his staff must make cornerback priority No. 1 in the 2013 recruiting cycle. It is undoubtedly the most significant position of need with Shepard gone. 

Keep an eye on any and all defensive back targets in the 2013 class, for immediate playing time is now a recruiting pitch that the Irish staff will be able to use to its advantage. 

Keep it here at Bleacher Report for further updates.