Left tackle Stanley to return to Notre Dame for 2015 season

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Notre Dame left tackle Ronnie Stanley will return to school next season rather than enter the NFL draft.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Stanley said Tuesday he made the decision after watching the national championship game, saying he believes the Fighting Irish could have a special team next year. The Irish return nine starters on offense and 10 on defense from this year's 8-5 team and also are expected to return several starters who missed this past season because of academic dishonesty.

Stanley is a junior academically who has two years of eligibility left. He has started every game the past two seasons, at right tackle in 2013 and left tackle this past season.

Coach Brian Kelly says Stanley could be best tackle in college football next season.