Three top Texas Longhorns will return for senior seasons

Three of Texas’ top players announced plans Thursday to return for their senior seasons rather than make themselves available as underclassmen in the 2014 NFL Draft.

Defensive end Cedric Reed, defensive back Quandre Diggs and running back Malcolm Brown announced they will return for their senior seasons.

The return of Reed, a first-team All-Big 12 player who led the team in forced fumbles (5) while collecting 10 sacks and 19 tackles for losses last season, represents a significant retention for incoming coach Charlie Strong.

In a statement, Reed said new coach Charlie Strong “is a very passionate guy who … wants to build on everything we have here, and I want to be a part of that as a senior.”

Diggs led the team in pass breakups (10) while making 58 tackles. Brown led the Longhorns in rushing (904 yards, 9 TDs) while adding 17 receptions for 195 yards and two scores.

This story was originally published January 9, 2014 at 10:44 PM with the headline "Three top Texas Longhorns will return for senior seasons."