Notre Dame freshman linebacker Justin Utupo's eligibility is being looked at by the NCAA.

The 6-foot-1, 251-pounder went to the same high school – Lakewood (Calif.) High – that USC quarterback Jesse Scroggins attended. Scroggins was recently sent home because of eligibility issues.

Utupo's situation doesn't sound as severe.

"I signed paperwork today from our compliance office that was sent to the NCAA," Irish coach Brian Kelly said. "We are still going through the process, but we are very optimistic though that we are going to get this thing resolved. It hasn't been resolved as of yet. There are still a couple of things that need to get checked off on the list. We are making the type of progress that we can feel confident that we are going to be able to get this thing done."

Kelly said it is interesting to work on eligibility issues this close to the season opener. The Irish kick off the season against Purdue at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 4 in Notre Dame Stadium.

" It was flagged really, really late, and it wasn't just Justin," Kelly said. "There are some other players from the same high school involved in the same process. We unfortunately have to react late. It's looking a lot more positive, but it isn't resolved yet."