LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) -- With a deep pool of running backs set for the NFL draft, Marlon Lucky announced he would return to Nebraska for his senior season.Lucky let pass Tuesday's deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft."I am excited to return to Nebraska for my senior season and play for Coach (Bo) Pelini," Lucky said in a statement released by the school. "I know he is committed to winning and returning this program to the elite of college football, and I want to be here to help out with that."Last season Lucky averaged 84.9 yards rushing to rank seventh in the Big 12. He was an effective receiver out of the backfield, averaging six catches a game. He was fifth in the conference with 145.2 all-purpose yards a game.Lucky's decision to return to the Huskers comes after a bevy of high-quality running backs made themselves available for April's draft. Chief among them are two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden and his Arkansas teammate Felix Jones.Other junior backs turning pro are Texas' Jamaal Charles, Clemson's James Davis, Illinois' Rashard Mendenhall, Rutgers' Ray Rice, West Virginia's Steve Slaton, Central Florida's Kevin Smith and Oregon's Jonathan Stewart.Matt Forte of Tulane and Mike Hart of Michigan are two of the top seniors in the draft.Lucky, a 6-foot, 210-pounder from North Hollywood, Calif., said another year at Nebraska would allow him to make progress on a sociology degree and enjoy the experience of playing college football."I also know that another year can only benefit me as a player and help me become a more complete back to prepare for the next level," he said.
