Personal Loans

South Bend, IN, United States (AHN Sports) – University of Notre Dame junior wide receiver Michael Floyd announced Wednesday he will return to South Bend for his senior season.

The 6-3, 227-pounder has been a key member of the Notre Dame offense in his career and will enter his final season as the program’s all-time leader in touchdown receptions. He is currently second all-time in receptions and third in receiving yards.

Floyd has tallied 171 career catches for 2,539 yards with 28 touchdowns. Only Jeff Samardzija (179) has recorded more receptions and he trails Golden Tate (2,707) and Samardzija (2,593) in career receiving yards.

“This was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make in my life,” Floyd said. “On the one hand, there was Notre Dame. This place has been an incredible home to me and the relationships I built here are ones I know I’ll have for the rest of my life.”

“On the other hand, there was the NFL. It has always been a lifelong goal to play football at the highest level and that is something I look forward to doing at some point. However, I’m pleased to say I will be returning to the University of Notre Dame for my senior season in 2011.”

In 2010 Floyd led the Irish with 79 receptions for 1,025 yards and 12 TD. Only one Notre Dame player ever caught more passes in a season than Floyd in 2010 (Tate, 93 in 2009) while Floyd’s touchdown reception total tied for fourth in Irish history.

Despite all his accomplishments, Floyd feels there is work to be done both personally and as a team.

“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. “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.”

Floyd has registered 13 games in his career with at least 100 receiving yards (tied for second with Tom Gatewood; Golden Tate had 15) and Floyd’s 84.6 receiving yards per game is the best career average of any Notre Dame player.

“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,” Notre Dame head coach Brian 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.”

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