Returning Underclassmen

Official Declared List

Returning

Courtney Greene, S, Rutgers. Rutgers’ star safety looks like he’ll be entering the draft along with Ray Rice. Greene is a big hitter who has improved his pass defense where he no long gives up many big plays. He’ll likely propel up to the number two safety spot behind Kenny Phillips and could make a charge into the bottom of the first round. It’s not definite, but the 6’2, 210 pound junior has hinted heavily that he’ll be leaving Piscataway leaving a gaping hole in the secondary. More recent ramblings suggest he’s slightly more neutral then once believed. "There is unfinished championship business for us to take care of here at Rutgers," Greene said Monday. That’s right, he’s going back to Piscataway. (announced: 01/14)

Victor “Macho” Harris, CB, Virginia Tech. Both he and Flowers bring intensity to the defense as guys who play great in coverage and aren’t afraid to stick their nose in to tackle runners. After a disappointing bowl loss, Harris said he’s still unsure, but he told defensive backfield coach Torrian Gray that he was 50-50 and needed to talk it over with his family. Where once he was thought to be staying, he has changed his mind and decided to declare with a third round projection. Harris had 5 interceptions and broke up a team-high 16 passes. Harris has changed his mind yet again and said that he is going back to college. (announced: 01/14)

Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. Another defensive end in the mold of a Calais Campbell (6’5, 292) and couples it with great athleticism. Hasn’t been the pass rusher he was expected to be, but has been a great run stopper. Has a lot of potential whose stock could skyrocket if he stays another year. Jackson will stay for his final season in hopes of improving his stock. (announced: 01/14)

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. Standout tight end Brandon Pettigrew will stay at Oklahoma State for his final season for football. The 6’6, 260 pound junior caught 35 passes for 540 yards and four touchdowns. He’s a good receiver and a good blocker, but with a talented graduating class, it was a smart decision. (announced: 01/14)

James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State. In a “breaking” headline, 13 OSU players asked for a draft grade. I fail to see how this is relevant as it gives no indication either way. However, Laurinaitis is one of the few who might be better off coming out. Though his stock could rise next season, he’ll have to compete with Rey Maualuga among others. This year, he is in a class of his own with tremendous athleticism and great upside overall. On the contrary, Laurinaitis said, “I’m just finding out what the NFL’s going to say about where I stand. I’m definitely confident about coming back. I love Ohio State. I love it here. I’m having a great time.’’ He’s one of the few players to hold true to his word and return for his final season and what he calls “valuable experience”. (announced: 01/14)

Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina. After suffering an early season-ending injury, Brinkley will return to South Carolina for one more season. Both Brinkley and wide receiver Kenny McKinley have spoken about making a big bowl next season after a Number 6 National Ranking after a 6-1 start. While Brinkley’s decision makes a thin Inside Linebacker class even thinner, it was the smart decision for him. (announced: 01/14)

Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State. He’s up there with the best in terms of the complete package. Good size, good technique, good footwork. A student of the game and the weight room. He sent in his paperwork and is awaiting word on his projected draft stock. Boone, like some of the other top Ohio State juniors will return to try and make their third consecutive trip to the National Title game with hopes of a different result. (announced: 01/13)

Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State. He turns 20 on December 20th. He is considered by many to be the top cornerback on the board with his size, speed, and ball skills. Malcolm has a few flaws in his technique but overall looks like a great prospect. Jenkins feels like he still has something to accomplish in college (National Championship). His return should leave Ohio State fans optimistic because the Buckeyes key players have talked about deciding together. Does that mean James Laurinaitis is the next to return? (announced: 01/11)

Joe Burnett, CB, Central Florida. While Kevin Smith makes all of the headlines, Joe Burnett has also told head coach George O’Leary that he too intends to leave early. His career has been somewhat of a roller coaster. Following a sensational freshmen year, he fell into a slump allowing several big plays. This year, he’s hit his peak once again. He has retracted his name from the draft pool. (announced: 01/10)

Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida. Hello NFL, is there room for a 6’4, 235 pound tight end running 4.4’s? Well while he may not be a punishing blocker or have elite size for a tight end in the pros. He can create mismatches on the outsides against linebackers with his speed and against defensive backs with his size. Not sure where exactly he’ll fit in, but playmaking athletes will always manage to find playing time. Look for him to go in the 2nd-3rd round range. After announcing that he would declare, he sat down with his parents and decided it would be best if he returned to Florida for another year. Good decision? I say certainly. (announced: 01/09)

Aaron Kelly, WR, Clemson. After deciding late Tuesday night that he would enter the draft, his decision turned out to be short lived. After receiving a 4th round projection, he’ll return to school. He’s a lanky pass catcher (6’5, 190) who had 1081 yards and 11 touchdowns on 88 receptions this past season. (announced: 01/09)

Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri. With Martin Rucker graduating, will Coffman leave behind a huge gap on the Tigers offense? Coffman has answered those questions and has decided to remain at school for his senior season. He’s a guy that can get up and down the field (51 receptions), but also blocks very well. Some consider him to be a better pro prospect than Martin Rucker because of his all-around skill set. (announced: 01/08)

Chase Daniel, QB, Missouri. Invited to New York for the Heisman. Displays good poise, good accuracy, and good decision-making. Perhaps the second-coming of Drew Brees? His height is a concern and the class is pretty talented. He’s made it official and said he’s returning to Missouri. (announced: 01/08)

Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio State. Freeman received his degree in Sports Management in December, but will still return to school for one more year. He was a hyped recruit out of high school and has tremendous size and speed for the position. Projects to the weakside at the next level, but could also probably man the strongside position as well. (announced: 01/07)

Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin. An elite, undersized tight end. Wisconsin’s go-to guy and will continue to be featured in this role next year. Not a great blocker, though he is improving in the area. Both he and Coach are happy for his return to Wisconsin. With yet another dynamic season, look for him to challenge for the top tight end off the board next season and should be almost a lock for the first round. (announced: 12/20)

Sean Lee, OLB, Penn State. Lee might even be a better prospect than Paul Posluszny (2nd rounder in 2007) or Dan Connor (projected top 15 in 2008). He combines instincts with size and athleticism. Accumulated 124 tackles this season but has said that he will definitely return for his senior season. (announced: 12/13)

Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. Has been plagued by injuries but has experience playing defensive end and linebacker. Projected as a late 1st round guy, he has decided to pass up the NFL and return to the Trojans next year who will compete for the National Title. Cushing knows he could have a better year and cited injuries as the big reason he’ll return. (announced: 11/6)

Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC. Maualuga called it “100%” that he will come back to the Trojans. He’s enjoying his time in Southern Cal and has plenty of time left in his football career. He’s in no rush to come out. Right now he lives off his athleticism and big hits, but will need to become a better all-around player to be a top 5 pick in next year’s selection. (announced: 11/6)