Defensive lineman Day returns to Notre Dame for senior year

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.