25 College Football Underclassmen Who Should Return for Another Season

"Should I stay or should I go?"

That line was made famous by The Clash back in the early '80s, but it's also a question that some of college football's top players will have to ask themselves soon. 

Every year, the sport's top eligible underclassmen are faced with the decision to either stay in school or make the jump to the pro ranks. 

As we've seen by the record number of players who have declared for the NFL draft in recent years, it seems that many underclassmen are choosing to make the leap to the next level as soon as they get the chance. However, there are always a few players who would clearly benefit from returning to school and playing at the college level for an extra year. 

Here's a look at 25 notable eligible underclassman prospects who would be wise to bypass the 2013 NFL draft and return for one more season. 

QB Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

Before the season started, there were many NFL draft analysts who were pumping up Virginia Tech's Logan Thomas as a potential top-five draft pick. However, Thomas has not come close to living up to those lofty expectations in 2012. 

The 6'6'', 260-pound junior has struggled mightily with his accuracy, completing just 53 percent of his passes this season. Plus, he has failed to put the offense on his back and lead the Hokies to success in the fashion you want to see from a potential franchise signal-caller, as he has already had three losses in his first seven games. 

Thomas has many similar physical qualities to Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Freeman. He's big, mobile and he has a strong arm. 

Still, unless he shows a big improvement in the second half of the season, mainly with his accuracy, the talented, yet raw dual-threat signal-caller would be wise to spend another season on the college level improving his craft and boosting his draft value. 

QB Tyler Bray, Tennessee

Tyler Bray will be one of the most intriguing underclassman to watch as the draft process continues to unfold in the coming months. 

Bray is arguably the best junior quarterback in college football, but he has not been able to make the most of his talents this season, as Tennessee has struggled to a 3-3 record in the first half of the season. 

The tall, prototypical pro-style passer has completed 60 percent of his passes for 1,730 yards and thrown 17 touchdowns. However, he has thrown a combined six interceptions in the three losses to the best teams he has played—Florida, Georgia and Mississippi State. 

If Derek Dooley is fired following the season, it will be interesting to see if the Vols' new coach can convince Bray to stay for his senior season. A lot will likely depend on if his two top receivers, Justin Hunter and Cordarrelle Patterson, hang around Knoxville or not. 

QB Aaron Murray, Georgia

Aaron Murray is a junior in college, which means that barring an unexpected growth spurt, he isn't going to add any more inches to his 6'1'', 211-pound frame. 

Murray's size has to be an obvious concern for NFL scouts, but there's not much to dislike about his overall game. 

The former highly touted recruit out of Tampa's Plant High School has developed into one of the best passers in the country over the past few years. 

Sure, Murray struggled against South Carolina's defense in an ugly 35-7 loss in Week 6. However, he has shown in other games that he can be counted on to be a true offensive leader. 

The veteran signal-caller has the moxie, toughness, intangibles and leadership ability that you look for in a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. However, he would benefit from another year spent honing his skills against SEC competition. 

QB Keith Price, Washington

Before the season started, there were some analysts who thought Keith Price had a chance to be a potential dark horse Heisman contender in 2012. However, Price has not risen to the occasion this season. 

The 6'1'', 202-pound junior struggled mightily against the three tough teams he faced—LSU, Oregon and USC, throwing a combined five interceptions in those games. 

Price may not be all that big, but he does possess an intriguing physical skill set and strong leadership traits. 

Still, given the way he has struggled against top-tier competition this season, it would be smart for the Washington signal-caller to return for another season and continue to soak up the offensive knowledge Steve Sarkisian is feeding him. 

QB Tajh Boyd, Clemson

Tajh Boyd may not have been able to get the job done on the road against Florida State in Week 4. However, he has still manged to put together a very impressive campaign in 2012. 

Boyd has completed 68 percent of his passes for 1,748 yards and thrown 14 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions. 

The 6'1'', 225-pound junior could consider leaving school early. However, if he decides to return for his senior year, the Tigers will automatically become one of the top national title contenders for the 2013 season. 

It will be interesting to see if Boyd chooses to hold off on making the move to the NFL in order to chase a Heisman Trophy and a BCS national championship next year. 

QB Zach Mettenberger, LSU

Zach Mettenberger only threw 11 passes in 2011, but that didn't stop many Tigers fans from hyping him up as a potential offensive savior this past offseason. 

Mettenberger was expected to revitalize LSU's lackluster passing attack, but so far, he has been unable to do that. 

The 6'5'', 230-pound junior has completed less than 60 percent of his passes and thrown just six touchdowns, compared to four interceptions. 

Although he still has a shot to lead LSU to the BCS title game this season, it would be in Mettenberger's best interests to come back for his senior year and continue to work on his game. He clearly isn't ready for the caliber of defenses he has faced in the SEC, let alone NFL defenses. 

RB Cierre Wood, Notre Dame

Cierre Wood missed the first two games of the 2012 season due to a suspension, but he has come back strong after returning to action in Week 3. 

Wood has averaged 5.9 yards per carry in his first four games of the year. 

It may be tempting for the 6'1'', 215-pound junior to cash in on the Irish's 2012 success and make the move to the NFL after this season. However, it would be nice to see Wood come back for one more season and potentially make a run at a Heisman Trophy in 2013. 

RB Michael Dyer, Arkansas Baptist

As far as just pure natural physical ability is concerned, Michael Dyer might just be the best running back in all of college football. But no one can be quite sure. 

The reason no one can be sure of that is because Dyer hasn't played a single snap this season. 

The former Auburn star has gone into hibernation at tiny Arkansas Baptist College in order to get his life back together after dealing with some off-the-field problems that derailed his once blossoming college career.

After dealing with some legal issues, Dyer left Auburn back in January, following his offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn to Arkansas State. But things didn't work out there either, and he has now found himself at a crossroads in terms of both life and football. 

If you want the full details, check out the fascinating and eye-opening piece that USA Today just did about his situation. 

I remember it wasn't too long ago that we were having the debate about who was destined to become the bigger star in the SEC, Marcus Lattimore or Michael Dyer?

Lattimore is now considered the premier running back prospect for the 2013 draft, while Dyer has become an afterthought—an "oh, whatever happened to that guy" player. 

Dyer has all of the physical skills to be a featured back in the NFL. But the big question scouts will have is has he actually matured and learned his lesson?

Personally, I'm a big fan and believer in Dyer and I would love to see him prove his critics wrong by returning to an FBS school in 2013 and lighting things up once again.

No matter how it all ends up, it will certainly be an interesting saga to watch unfold. 

RB Knile Davis, Arkansas

Knile Davis had a huge breakout campaign back in 2010, rushing for 1,322 yards and scoring 14 total touchdowns. However, he wasn't able to build on that success in 2011 because a preseason ankle injury kept him on the sideline for the entire season. 

Davis has not yet returned to the same form we saw from him as a true sophomore. 

The highly athletic 6'1'', 226-pound back has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and scored just three touchdowns in seven games this season. 

It would be wise for Davis to return for one more season, and try to repair his damaged draft stock in 2013. 

RB Silas Redd, USC

Silas Redd has looked right at home at USC this season after transferring from Penn State during the summer.

Redd has rushed for 570 yards and six touchdowns on 101 carries, but he has had to share the spotlight with QB Matt Barkley and WR Robert Woods. 

Barkley and Woods will likely both be gone after this season, as will RB Curtis McNeal, which means Redd has the chance to be the focal point of the offense along with WR Marqise Lee in 2013 if he chooses to return. 

WR Marquess Wilson, Washington State

Washington State's offense has not experienced the type of offensive rejuvenation under new coach Mike Leach that many were expecting. However, the team's top offensive player, WR Marquess Wilson, has still had a solid season so far this year. 

Wilson has hauled in 38 passes for 640 yards and five touchdowns, but he hasn't dominated the way he did as a sophomore back in 2011. 

It might be wise for the 6'4'', 185-pound junior to return for another season.

Hopefully, next year, Leach will have the passing attack really producing at a high level, which should help Wilson put up some big numbers. 

WR DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson

DeAndre Hopkins took advantage of Sammy Watkins' absence early in the season, and proved that he could handle being the No. 1 receiving target of the Clemson offense. 

Hopkins has caught 49 passes for 777 yards and eight touchdowns in just six games. 

Given his spike in production, the 6'1'', 200-pound junior will likely consider leaving for the NFL early. But it may prove beneficial if he chooses to return for one more season. 

Clemson has a chance to compete for a national championship next season, and Hopkins would receive more national publicity if he's playing for a true title contender in 2013. 

TE Jordan Reed, Florida

There are a lot of great underclassmen tight ends in college football this year such as Tyler Eifert, Zach Ertz, C.J. Fiedorowicz and Dion Sims. 

One of the most impressive young tight ends has been Florida's Jordan Reed. 

Reed has drawn comparisons to former Gator Aaron Hernandez because of his rare size and speed combination. 

The 6'3'', 243-pound junior has caught 21 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown so far this season. However, he should think about returning for one more season, especially since Eifert, Ertz and Sims are all expected to leave early. 

If Reed returns for his senior season, he'll likely battle it out with Washington's Austin Seferian-Jenkins to be the first tight end taken in 2014. 

OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama

Alabama has without a doubt the most talented offensive line in the country this season. 

The two premier players that the Tide have in the trenches are offensive guard Chance Warmack and center Barrett Jones, who both look like future first-round picks for the 2013 draft. 

Jones and Warmack will both be leaving Tuscaloosa after the season, which means right tackle D.J. Fluker would be the undisputed leader of the line next season if he chooses to return. 

Fluker has the skills to compete for a starting job in the NFL right now, but he has yet to prove that he's a definitive first-rounder the way his teammates Warmack and Jones have.

If he returns for another season, the powerful blocker has the chance to be the first lineman taken in the 2014 draft if he continues to develop as expected. 

OT Seantrel Henderson, Miami

Seantrel Henderson was the most highly touted offensive line prospect of the 2010 recruiting class. However, Henderson has yet to show that he was deserving of his blue-chip recruiting label during his three years spent at Miami. 

The agile big man has the type of physical package that NFL scouts are looking for in a starting-caliber offensive tackle. However, he hasn't yet shown the consistency that you want to see from a potential high draft pick. 

Henderson would benefit from returning for another season, locking down a starting job for a full year, and showing scouts what he's really made of in 2013. 

OG Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State

Mississippi State has sprinted out to a 6-0 start this season, garnering a Top 15 ranking in the BCS standings in the process. 

One of the unsung heroes of the Bulldogs' rise to national prominence has been OG Gabe Jackson. 

Jackson has opened up some huge holes for RB LaDarius Perkins to run through this year. 

The 6'4''', 320-pound junior is clearly one of the most talented interior lineman in the country. However, he hasn't yet done enough to solidify being a first-round pick just yet. 

If Jackson chooses to return for his senior season, he has the chance to be the 2013 version of Chance Warmack. 

DT Bennie Logan, LSU

The two most talked-about players on LSU's defensive line are defensive ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. 

Both Montgomery and Mingo will likely depart Baton Rouge after the season ends and become top-15 picks in the 2013 draft. 

Their Tiger teammate Bennie Logan may think about joining them. But ultimately, it may be smart for Logan to come back for the 2013 season and be LSU's true featured star defensive lineman next year. 

The 6'3'', 295-pound junior is a strong, athletic and tough interior player, but he still has to polish up his overall game in order to become a first-round draft pick. 

DT Will Sutton, Arizona State

The defensive tackle class looks like it could be absolutely loaded in 2013. 

Seniors such as Star Lotulelei, Kawann Short, John Jenkins, Sylvester Williams and Jesse Williams and underclassmen such as Johnathan Hankins, Sharrif Floyd and Sheldon Richardson all have the chance to be selected within the first 50 picks. 

Because of that depth, Arizona State's Will Sutton should think about returning for his senior year and moving up the pecking order next season. 

Sutton has had an outstanding breakout junior campaign so far in 2012, racking up 7.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss, but he is not yet considered an elite talent. 

DE Jackson Jeffcoat, Texas

Jackson Jeffcoat was having a solid season in 2012, notching four sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss in his first six games. 

Unfortunately, though, Jeffcoat will miss the remainder of the season with a pectoral muscle rupture. 

Because of the injury, the talented junior edge rusher should strongly consider returning for his senior season. 

If he comes back for another year, Jeffcoat has the potential to be a top-10 pick in the 2014 draft. 

DE William Gholston, Michigan State

Michigan State currently has the No. 1 defense in the Big Ten, but one of the Spartans' top defenders, DE William Gholston, has not come close to dominating the way many were expecting he would. 

Gholston has totaled just one sack in the team's first seven games of 2012. 

Before the season started, the 6'7'', 278-pound junior was hyped up to be one of the best pass-rushers in the country. However, so far, he has not looked like the same type of aggressive and disruptive defensive end that we saw in 2011. 

If Gholston doesn't turn it up in the coming weeks, he'll definitely have to consider returning to East Lansing and atoning for his disappointing junior campaign. 

LB Jelani Jenkins, Florida

Jelani Jenkins is one of the best 4-3 weak side linebackers in the country. But the problem is, Jenkins has been sidelined for the majority of the 2012 season with an injury. 

When Jenkins has been out on the field, he has looked like one of the SEC's top defensive players. But given that he hasn't been 100 percent this season, it would be wise for the 6'0'', 233-pound junior to return to Gainesville for another season. 

Jenkins may not be the biggest linebacker in college football, but he has the toughness, athleticism, instincts and playmaking ability that you look for in a star defensive prospect. 

LB Tom Wort, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's offense, led by QB Landry Jones and WR Kenny Stills, will likely get most of the credit for the Sooners' success this season. However, the team's defense is also loaded with top-notch talent as well. 

This may be the last year for seniors like DT Jamarkus McFarland, Safety Javon Harris, CB Demontre Hurst and DE R.J. Washington. However, one Oklahoma defender who has the chance to return to Norman for the 2013 season is LB Tom Wort. 

Wort has only racked up 19 tackles in the first five games of the season. But the numbers don't tell the full story about just how effective he has been. 

The 6'0'', 237-pound junior has shown some flashes of his intriguing potential early on this season, but he hasn't yet become the true defensive leader that Oklahoma needs him to be. 

LB Jonathan Brown, Illinois

The Illinois defense is loaded with future NFL players such as LB Jonathan Brown, DE Michael Buchanan, DT Akeem Spence and CB Terry Hawthorne. However, the unit as a whole has not come close to playing up to expectations this season. 

The Illini have given up an average of 30 points per game in the first seven weeks of the season, and none of the team's top defensive playmakers have played as well as they were expected to. 

Jonathan Brown has had a solid year in 2012, racking up 44 tackles, including 19 solo stops, but he has shown a few noticeable weaknesses against some of the better offenses he has faced. 

Brown is an athletic and instinctive linebacker who has the physical traits to potentially be an impact player at the NFL level. But the 6'1'', 235-pound junior still needs to fix a few flaws in his game before he's truly ready for the pro game. 

CB Carrington Byndom, Texas

Texas has one of the most talented secondaries in the country this year, but the Longhorns have still struggled against the pass so far this season, as they've given up an average of 240 yards through the air per game. 

CB Carrington Byndom, the team's most talented defensive back, has not been able to build on the success he had in 2011, and he has not taken the next step he was expected to this season. 

Byndom has all the traits—size, speed, coverage ability, ball skills and tackling ability—that you look for in a potential first round cornerback prospect. However, for some reason, he hasn't played up to his potential in 2012. 

The 6'0'', 180-pound junior won't be a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft if he keeps playing the way he has thus far. 

CB Justin Gilbert, Oklahoma State

Justin Gilbert is one of the best athletes in college football, and in terms of his pro potential, he has got a sky high ceiling. However, he has yet to develop into a true well-rounded cornerback. 

Yes, Gilbert has great speed and ball skills. But his coverage awareness could still use work, as could his overall fundamentals and technique. 

The 6'0'', 194-pound junior is still just a great athlete playing corner, not a great corner who happens to be very athletic. There's a big difference, especially when it comes to matching up with NFL wide receivers. 

Gilbert could be a day two pick in the 2013 draft just based off his physical ability. But if he chooses to return to Stillwater for another year, he has a chance to be the top senior cornerback prospect in the 2014 draft class if he continues to develop as expected.