Defensive lineman Day returns to Notre Dame for senior year

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Defensive lineman Sheldon Day announced Saturday he will return to Notre Dame for his senior season rather than enter the NFL draft.

Day said in a statement released by the university that he made his decision after talking with his family, friends and Notre Dame coaches. He called the decision difficult, saying: "I just felt it was in my best interest to play another year for Notre Dame."

Day was one of the captains this past season as the Irish finished 8-5. He finished eighth on the team in tackles with 40 despite missing two games with a sprained knee. He finished tied for second in tackles for loss with 7.5.

The 6-2, 285-pound junior from Indianapolis is scheduled to graduate in May with a degree in information technology management.