OXFORD, Miss. -- Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher announced here Wednesday that he has reconsidered his decision to enter the upcoming 2008 National Football League draft and will return for his senior season with the Rebels.

“While I felt good about being projected as a possible first round pick and had everybody in my corner, it just kept coming back to me that I was leaving some unfinished business at Ole Miss,” Oher said. “It’s really about winning more games and going to a bowl game. I wanted to be a part of making that happen. Most of all, I want to finish my senior year with my teammates. Also, I'm sure mom and dad are happy with my decision to come back.”
 
Oher received All-SEC distinction each of the past two years and helped BenJarvus Green-Ellis register consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The Memphis native has started 34 straight games over his Rebel tenure.

“I was excited when Michael called to say he's decided to return to Ole Miss for his senior season,” said Rebel head coach Houston Nutt. “Michael told me he wanted to make a commitment to his academics and to football and be the very best football player he can be. It’s good to have him back in the Ole Miss family.”
 

Oher was a consensus First Team All-SEC pick as a junior in 2007 and garnered Fourth Team All-American honors from Phil Steele. He was named Second Team All-SEC in 2006 and a First Team Freshman All-American in 2005.
 
The subject of the New York Times best seller, “The Blind Side: The Evolution of a Game,” Oher earned First Team All-America accolades and was listed as the nation’s top prep offensive tackle as a senior at Briarcrest Christian. He was recently named to Rivals.com’s U.S. Army All-America Bowl All-Time Team.