Iowa LT Brandon Scherff to skip draft, return for senior year

Iowa left tackle Brandon Scherff says he's staying with the Hawkeyes for his senior season.

Scherff was believed to be a potential first-round pick in next spring's NFL draft. But Scherff announced Monday that he's skipping the draft and returning to Iowa in 2014.

Scherff has started all 12 games for Iowa (8-4, 5-3 Big Ten) this season and was a first-team All-Big Ten pick by the league's coaches.

Scherff's return should bolster expectations for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa surprised many by winning eight games and earning a berth to the Outback Bowl against LSU - and should be one of the Big Ten's most experienced teams in 2014.