UK's Mike Edwards Bypasses NFL Draft, Returns for Senior Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Star safety Mike Edwards (pictured) has elected to bypass an opportunity to enter the NFL Draft and return for his senior season at Kentucky. Edwards announced his decision Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 9 on his Twitter account.

"I want to get better prepared for the NFL and improve physically and mentally," Edwards wrote. "I'm also happy about the decision to return because I'm on track to graduate in December! Now it's time to go win the SEC East!"

Edwards has been among UK’s steadiest and best defensive performers since becoming a starter for the final five games of his redshirt freshman campaign in 2015. He led the team in tackles (97) and interceptions (four) as UK reached a bowl for the second straight season in 2017, becoming just the fourth Wildcat to accomplish that feat. He was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by Phil Steele after receiving second-team honors from the Associated Press as a sophomore.

“Great to have Mike coming back,” Mark Stoops tweeted. “Another senior leader and big-play performer for our defense! A native of Cincinnati, Edwards came to Kentucky ranked a four-star prospect by Rivals and Scout. He has backed up those rankings by starting UK’s last 31 games. Edwards’ return continues a run of good news on that front for UK, as tight end C.J. Conrad and linebacker Josh Allen preceded him in deciding to play their senior seasons in Lexington.

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