Crick to Return to Huskers in 2011

Nebraska defensive tackle Jared Crick has announced his intention to return to school for the 2011 season.

"I am staying at the University of Nebraska to finish my degree and complete my final season of eligibility on the football field," Crick said. "Playing at Nebraska for Coach Pelini is a great opportunity, and I am looking forward to continuing that in 2011. Hopefully, I will have the chance to play at the professional level in the future, but my focus right now is on the start of the semester and beginning winter conditioning next week."

The 6-6, 285-pound Crick has been one of the nation's most dominant defenders over the past two seasons. Crick has recorded 9.5 sacks each of the past two seasons, and has a total of 32 tackles for loss in the past two years. Crick has 143 tackles in the past two seasons, including 70 in 2010 to rank third for the Nebraska Blackshirt defense.

Crick has earned first-team All-Big 12 honors each of the past two seasons and this season he was chosen as a first-team All-American by Rivals.com, while earning second-team All-America honors from the Associated Press, CBS Sports.com and SI.com. Crick is one eight regular starters on defense who will return for the 2011 season, including three members of the Blackshirt defensive line.