Suh staying for senior season

After 11 days of speculation by Husker fans and draft experts, junior Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh finally answered the question everybody wanted to know.

In a written statement, Suh said he plans to return to NU for his senior season, despite the fact he has been projected as a potential first round draft pick by several different experts.

Suh said one of his main reasons for returning is his desire to finish up his degree in construction management.

"I have made the decision to return to school to complete my degree and play for Nebraska in 2009," Suh said. "After discussing the issue with my family and my coaches, I know that coming back to Nebraska is the right thing for me. First, you can't put a price on graduating from college and I will leave here with my degree. Second, I have learned so much in the past year from Coach Pelini and his staff and I look forward to another year of development at Nebraska.

"I do have aspirations of playing in the National Football League, but the best way for me to enhance my chances of having a successful pro career is to spend another season at the collegiate level. I look forward to helping Nebraska continue to take steps toward returning to the elite of college football in 2009."

Suh led Nebraska in tackles (76), tackles for loss (19), sacks (7.5) and interceptions (2) in 2008 and was a first-team All-Big 12 pick.

He was the first defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles since 1973 and his 76 tackles are the second-most by a Husker defensive lineman in 35 seasons. Suh's return gives the Nebraska defense seven returning starters for the 2009 campaign.

Suh, along with head coach Bo Pelini will both be available later today at a news conference to talk about the future and what lies ahead.