It was widely expected that Michael Floyd would take his leave of Notre Dame for early entry into the NFL.
Fortunately for the Irish offense in 2011, those expectations weren’t met.
Calling it “one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life”, the wide receiver announced Wednesday that he will be returning to South Bend for another season. Floyd said he weighed a “place that’s been an incredible home to me” with “a lifelong goal to play football at the highest level” before deciding he will be returning to Notre Dame for his senior season.
“I’m returning to Notre Dame for three reasons: to earn my degree, return Notre Dame to the top and improve myself as a player,” Floyd said in a statement. “First, I promised my mom I would graduate from Notre Dame and I am 40 credit hours shy of attaining that goal. I chose to attend Notre Dame in part because I knew it was a 40-year decision and not a four-year decision. Graduating from Notre Dame will help me for the rest of my life. Second, I want to get Notre Dame back to a BCS game. I believe we are very close to returning the Irish to where we belong and I want to be part of something great. Lastly, I want to show everyone in the country that I’m the best wide receiver in college football in 2011. There are many things I need to improve, but I feel with the coaching I have at Notre Dame, I can become the best at my position in this game.”
In starting 29 of the 30 games he’s played for the Irish, Floyd’s totals of 171 receptions and 2,539 receiving yards are second and third, respectively, in school history.
Needless to say, head coach Brian Kelly is very excited to have the services of one of the most talented and productive receivers return for another year.
“I know Michael put a great deal of thought in determining whether he should enter the NFL this year and I truly appreciate and respect him for realizing the gravity of his decision,” Kelly said. “Whether Michael went to the NFL this year or next year would not have changed my opinion that he will have a long and successful career at the next level. I would have supported Michael’s decision either way, but obviously I am thrilled he will be part of our team in 2011.”