All-Big 12 defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh announced Monday he'll return to Nebraska for his senior season.

"After discussing the issue with my family and my coaches, I know that coming back to Nebraska is the right thing for me," Suh said in a statement released by the university.

"First, you can't put a price on graduating from college and I will leave here with my degree. Second, I have learned so much in the past year from coach Pelini and his staff and I look forward to another year of development at Nebraska."

"I do have aspirations of playing in the National Football League, but the best way for me to enhance my chances of having a successful pro career is to spend another season at the collegiate level. I look forward to helping Nebraska continue to take steps toward returning to the elite of college football in 2009."

Suh led Nebraska in tackles (76), tackles for loss (19), sacks (7.5) and interceptions (2, running back both for touchdowns) in 2008 and was a first-team All-Big 12 pick. He was the first defensive lineman to lead the team in tackles since 1973 and his 76 tackles are the second-most by a Husker defensive lineman in 35 seasons.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder from Portland, Oregon saw his NFL stock rise in the 26-21 Gator Bowl win over Clemson. He made eight tackles, including four behind the line of scrimmage, had two sacks and blocked a field goal.

Suh's return gives the Nebraska defense seven returning starters for 2009. He will anchor the line at nose tackle. Jared Crick will be among the candidates to join him inside. The Huskers have experienced defensive ends in Pierre Allen, Shukree Barfield and Barry Turner, who'll be coming back from an injury.