No NFL for Heisman finalist?

MADISON, Wis. ? Wisconsin running back Montee Ball will return for his senior season, according to a report in the Wisconsin State Journal, which cited a UW source.

Ball, the Badgers' Heisman Trophy finalist, hasn't officially made his decision public. He was expected to announce his intentions on Wednesday, but wrote on his Twitter account ?lots of speculation out there, leaning one way but just not ready to make an announcement yet, appreciate everyone's patience.?

A UW source indicated to the State Journal that Ball already had begun telling people in the football program that he would return.

Ball capped a stellar junior season on Monday in the Rose Bowl, rushing for 164 yards and a touchdown during Wisconsin's 45-38 loss to Oregon. On the season, he rushed for 1,923 yards and tied the NCAA FBS record for single-season touchdowns with 39, joining Barry Sanders, who set the mark in 1988 at Oklahoma State.

Should Ball opt to return, it would seemingly fly in the face of conventional wisdom given Ball's success and the relatively short shelf life of running backs in the NFL. On top of that, plenty of uncertainly exists regarding the Badgers offense for next season. Quarterback Russell Wilson has used up his eligibility and offensive coordinator Paul Chryst is leaving the program to become the head coach at the University of Pittsburgh.

Ball said following Monday's Rose Bowl that he would decide on his NFL future in the next few days. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL Draft is Jan. 15.

Earlier in the year, Ball indicated that he would be more inclined to leave Wisconsin if he thought he would be a first- or second-round pick.

The State Journal also reported that linebackers coach Dave Huxtable would become defensive coordinator at Pitt, reuniting with Chryst, who already is bringing Badgers offensive line coach Bob Bostad with him on staff. Badgers wide receivers coach DelVaughn Alexander also is leaving the program to coach wide receivers at Arizona State.

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Source: http://www.foxsportswisconsin.com/01/04/12/Wisconsins-Ball-staying-in-school-for-20/msn_landing.html?blockID=639682&feedID=5059

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