Prater returning for senior year

Three Iowa juniors sought the advice of the NFL Draft advisory board following the 2010 Insight Bowl. One of those three announced on Tuesday afternoon that he would be returning. Hawkeye cornerback Shaun Prater took to social media to make his plans known saying he would be returning for his senior season.

Prater put on his Twitter account the following statement:

"Just finished discussing my future plans with my family & coaches and HAWK NATION I'm coming back for my senior year! Appreciate the support."

Shortly after that statement, a press release was issued by the University of Iowa with further comment from Prater.

"I sat down with my family, and with Coach Ferentz and my coaches. I weighed the pros and cons, and I am remaining at Iowa for my senior season. I look forward to playing a vital role in whatever capacity is necessary next season."

Kirk Ferentz was obviously happy with the news that his starting cornerback would be back for his senior year.

"I am very pleased to learn of Shaun Prater's decision to return to the game for his senior season. Shaun has played very good football for us the past few years and I expect him to continue growing both as a player and a team leader next season."

Prater was selected to the first team All Big Ten team this past year by both the media and coaches, leading the league with four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. Prater has started the last two seasons and saw limited action in his true freshman year.

Now the Iowa coaches and fans are waiting on the decisions of wide receiver Marvin McNutt and safety Tyler Sash. Both fourth year junior have until Saturday to make their decision. Sash has emerged on Twitter since Iowa's bowl win over Missouri, while McNutt has been silent since leaving Arizona.

Last season the Hawkeyes lost two players early to the NFL Draft following their win in the 2010 Orange Bowl over Georgia Tech. Tackle Bryan Bulaga declared for the draft and was a first round pick of the Green Bay Packers. Cornerback Amari Spievey took his talents to the NFL and was a third round selection of the Detroit Lions.