Sweed to return for senior season

After considering early entry into the NFL Draft, Texas junior WR Limas Sweed, a first-team All-Big 12 selection, has announced he will return to UT for his senior season in 2007.

"I feel like I'm a leader on this team, and I want to be a positive influence on the younger guys," explained Sweed. "That's why I think it's important for me to come back, develop as a player and get my degree, which should happen December."

Sweed joins junior DT Frank Okam, who announced last week that he would return for his senior season, on a long list of Longhorns who have decided to stay in school under Mack Brown. RB Ricky Williams (1998), DT Casey Hampton (2000), OT Leonard Davis (2000), CB Quentin Jammer (2001), OT Mike Williams (2001), WR Roy Williams (2003), RB Cedric Benson (2004), LB Derrick Johnson (2004) and S Michael Huff (2005) all became first-round draft picks after returning for their final seasons.

"I talked to Roy (Williams) and some of the other guys in the NFL, and they told me there's nothing like your senior year," added Sweed. "Texas is such a great environment to be in, and I'm not in any rush to leave it. The NFL is going to be there next year."

Sweed will look to improve on a 2006 season that saw him lead the Longhorns in receptions (46), receiving yards (801) and TD catches (12). His 12 TD receptions tied Roy Williams' single-season mark set in 2002. Sweed also caught a TD pass in seven consecutive games, breaking Williams' record (six, 2002-03). During his three-year career, Sweed has caught 105 passes (No. 8 on UT's all-time list) for 1,609 yards (No. 7 on UT's all-time list) and 17 TDs (No. 2 on UT's all-time list). He has made a reception in 18 straight games and in 34 of his 37 career games.

"We have a lot of guys returning next season and I think we are going to have a great year," said Sweed. "I have so much fun with my teammates and coaches that it really would have been hard to leave early."

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