TEMPE - Arizona State cornerback Omar Bolden announced Friday that he will remain in school and return to the Sun Devils for his senior season in 2011.
"I've built special relationships with these guys on the team," said Bolden. "Not only are they teammates, but I see these guys as family. I wanted to finish that with them. I feel like I started something with them here and I feel like I need to finish it with my guys. I feel like we can be very special this upcoming season."
Bolden, who was one of only four unanimous selections for the 2010 All-Pacific-10 Conference First-Team as selected by the league's coaches, had spent the last month in fact-gathering mode while mulling a decision to declare for early entry to the 2011 NFL Draft.
"My family and I talked in great depth about weighing the pros and cons of leaving school early," said Bolden. "I started off by thanking everyone in the beginning and I'd like to thank my coaches again. They have been very supportive through the whole decision making process. It was obvious that they wanted the best for me. They were going to support me in either decision I made. I'm just fortunate to be around a great coaching staff."
Bolden, from Ontario, California, led ASU with three interceptions for 85 yards and one touchdown and collected 52 tackles, including 37 solo stops, in 2010. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 321 yards and a 29.2-yard average, including a 97-yard touchdown return against Wisconsin.
In March, the NCAA approved Bolden's medical hardship petition, granting him an additional year of eligibility as a result of missing almost all of the 2009 season with an injury.
"I'm ready to bring that Pac-12 Championship back to Tempe," Bolden said.
