Notre Dame Football: Ronnie Stanley's Return Key to 2015 Playoff Run

While Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame coaching staff will spend the next three weeks on the recruiting trail, they'll sign no bigger prospect than Ronnie Stanley, who they secured on Tuesday. The left tackle announced that he'll return to South Bend for his senior season, putting the NFL on hold to return for the 2015 season.

Stanley explained his decision in a statement via UND.com:

"

This was a difficult decision. My dream isn't just to play in the National Football League. I want to win a national championship. ...

We've got a chance to have a special season next year. Many of my teammates are returning and I've made strong bonds with lots of them. If all of them weren't coming back this year it would've made it an easier decision to leave. All this, the opportunity to graduate, and much more, led to my decision to stay.

"

Stanley had been rocketing up draft boards everywhere, looking like a potential first-round pick after an impressive season at left tackle. Now he'll be the key cog to an Irish offensive line that will return the starting five that put together a dominating performance against LSU in the Music City Bowl.

After being hurt by the NFL draft last season—losing Stephon Tuitt, Louis Nix and Troy Niklas with a season of eligibility remaining—the chips seem to be falling in Notre Dame's favor this time around. Captain Sheldon Day announced he would return earlier this week, and Stanley's return is even better news.

With Stanley at left tackle, the offense is nearly fully formed—if Kelly can decide on what to do at the quarterback position. But whoever is playing behind Harry Hiestand's offensive line should have the benefit of a strong running game and excellent pass protection.

We saw Mike McGlinchey thrive in his first start at right tackle. The trio of Nick Martin, Matt Hegarty and Steve Elmer all return on the inside, with the center position potentially up for grabs. With Stanley as the prototypical blind-side protector, he'll have a chance to anchor one of the strongest offensive lines since the Holtz era.

Kelly discussed Stanley in the official release:

"

Ronnie has developed into a premier offensive lineman. With another year at the position, and gaining more knowledge under the outstanding coaching of Harry Hiestand, Ronnie could be the best tackle in all of college football. ...

Ronnie now has a chance to leave Notre Dame as both a graduate and first-round NFL pick.

"

There's been a strong track record of returning players at Notre Dame to improve their draft stock. Zack Martin parlayed a fifth year into a first-round pick and was the only rookie to make the NFL's All-Pro team. Michael Floyd and Tyler Eifert returned for their senior seasons and became first-rounders as well.

In addition to Stanley and Day, Notre Dame expects KeiVarae Russell and Ishaq Williams back, two more returning starters on a team that will only lose tight end Ben Koyack, right tackle Christian Lombard and cornerback Cody Riggs.