Cornerback Darrin Walls will not be enrolled at Notre Dame during the fall semester for personal reasons and will return home at the end of this summer school term.

"We won¹t have Darrin with us this season but I hope to have him return for the spring semester," Charlie Weis said in a statement released by the school.

Walls blossomed last season as a sophomore, starting in 11 of Notre Dame's 12 games. He emerged as one of the team's true bright spots during a 3-9 campaign.

His breakthrough play was a 73-yard interception return for a touchdown against Penn State, which was the first Irish TD of the season.

Walls also forced two fumbles and had 23 tackles on the year.

"Fortunately, cornerback is a position of strength on our team and this will provide opportunities for increased playing time for our corners," Weis added.

Walls started two games in 2006 during his freshman season before an injury slowed down his progress.

Wide receiver D.J. Hord has decided to leave the Notre Dame football team and will transfer to a Division I-AA school.

"I'd like to thank D.J. for all he has given to this team in his three years and wish him well in his future endeavors," Weis said.

Hord had two receptions for 7 yards last season.

He was a prized recruit but tore his Achilles two years ago and has struggled since.