UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner announced Wednesday that he will forgo the NFL draft and return to Westwood for his senior season.
Verner led the nation in passes defended in 2008 and was named to the All-Pac-10 second team, as well as the Pac-10 All-Academic team.
Verner listed his desire to complete his degree and help coach Rick Neuheisel build the program as reasons why he decided to stay.
“A part of me felt that I was ready to try the next level,” Verner said in a statement.
“After talking with people to get some feedback, I realized that I would benefit from getting bigger and more physical. I also need to watch film and dissect every detail, because that’s what they do at the next level.”
Including Verner, UCLA will return six full-time starters to next year’s defensive unit.
Neuheisel is still in the process of hiring a defensive coordinator to replace DeWayne Walker, who was hired as coach of New Mexico State.
PRESLEY TO HAVE SURGERY:Tight end Morrell Presley who recently enrolled at UCLA for the winter quarter, will have surgery to repair a fracture of his left wrist today, UCLA Sports Information Director Marc Dellins said.
Presley is expected to be ready to participate in Spring Practice by the time it begins in April. He is expected to be in a cast for the next six to eight weeks.
Presley was the No. 1-rated tight end coming out of high school this fall by various recruiting sites, such as scout.com.
Compiled by Matt Stevens, Bruin Sports senior staff.