Gators LB Morrison returning for senior season

Junior linebacker Antonio Morrison has decided to return to the Florida Gators for his senior season.

Morrison, Florida’s first defender to register 100+ tackles since Ahmad Black in 2010, received an evaluation for the 2015 NFL Draft but will chose to remain in school.

“I’m returning to Florida and I will be getting my degree in 2015. That plays a big role in why I’m returning,” Morrison said in a statement released by the school. “And as a leader of this team, I want to lead my team to Atlanta and possibly a national championship. Coach [Jim] McElwain has put together a great staff and I’m looking forward to working with them this year.”

Morrison is the second Gators player in as many days to pick Florida and its new coaching staff over the NFL. Defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard announced Monday that he will return to UF for the 2015 season.

Morrison’s health remains in question after he appeared to seriously injure his knee in the 2015 Birmingham Bowl on Saturday. Florida has not provided any updates on his health.

Junior defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., the first Gators player to declare for the draft, is expected to be a first-round pick. Junior running back Matt Jones and redshirt junior offensive lineman Tyler Moore have also decided to turn pro.

UF has not announced the futures of Fowler, Jones and Moore as of press time.