During the lead-up to UNC’s 25-23 loss to Stanford in the Sun Bowl, talk of the NFL Draft–and which players from each team were on their way–dominated the discussion.
Stanford tailback Christian McCaffrey sat out to prepare for the draft, while UNC quarterback Mitch Trubisky–a potential first-round pick–fielded numerous questions about his future plans.
Both the Tar Heels and college football received uplifting news on Saturday, however, when junior cornerback MJ Stewart announced on Twitter his intentions to return to Chapel Hill for his final season.
Playing alongside departing senior Des Lawrence, Stewart has established himself as one of the premier defensive backs in the ACC during his time in Chapel Hill.
He led the Tar Heels with 11 pass breakups in 2016, and finished sixth on the team with 59 tackles. Although he’s been at UNC for just three years, the Virginia native ranks third in school history with 29 pass breakups–including 25 since becoming a starter at the beginning of 2015.
Junior defensive tackle Naz Jones announced his intention to enter the NFL Draft prior to the Sun Bowl, but Stewart’s return will now give head coach Larry Fedora seven returning starters on defense next season.
The 6-foot, 200-pound cornerback had been exploring his draft stock before ultimately making this decision.
“After gathering as much information as possible and discussing the situation with my family, I have decided to return to Carolina for my senior season,” Stewart said, in a statement released by the university. “I appreciate Coach Fedora and the staff for their guidance throughout this process and I look forward to being a senior leader next season.”
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