Alabama LB C.J. Mosley Will Return to Crimson Tide for Senior Season

After seeing five of its stars drafted in the first 35 picks of the 2012 NFL draft, the University of Alabama is expected to come close to delivering that many stud players to the next level again in 2013.

But linebacker C.J. Mosley won't be one of them.

According to USA Today's George Schroeder, Mosley will return to Tuscaloosa for his senior season:

"

Alabama’s All-America LB C.J. Mosley said today he will return for his senior season in '13 rather than going out early for the NFL.

— George Schroeder (@GeorgeSchroeder) December 20, 2012"

Sorry, SEC offenses. 

En route to establishing himself as a potential first-round pick, Mosley did it all for the Crimson Tide in his third year on campus. 

He led the team in total tackles—by a large margin—with 99. He made a living in opponents' backfields, racking up seven tackles for loss and four sacks. He forced a fumble and recovered another. He dropped back in coverage, deflecting four passes, picking off two and returning one for a touchdown.

After such a dominant and consistent performance, Mosley, as the true engine in the middle of Alabama's top-ranked defense, earned himself a consensus First Team All-America nod.

Yet despite all of that, and despite a potential second national championship in January, Mosley clearly believes he has more to prove with the Crimson Tide.

It's not often that you see a collegiate player pass up a lot of guaranteed money in the NFL for one more year of glory on campus, but it's an impressive reflection of character when he does so, especially when he has already accomplished so much.

Here's hoping it doesn't backfire like we've seen happen to many other players in the past, and that Mosley continues his shining run of success.

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