Junior running back posted second straight 1,000-yard rushing performance in 2015

LAFAYETTE – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns football player Elijah McGuire announced on Monday that he will return for his senior season in 2016 and will not enter the NFL Draft.

McGuire, a three-time All-Sun Belt Conference selection, rushed for 1,058 yards with 13 touchdowns for Louisiana during the 2015 season while catching 33 passes and three TDs. The Houma, La., native became the second running back in school history to rush for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons and concluded the season as one of two active NCAA players with 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a career.

STATEMENT FROM ELIJAH McGUIRE
"I will be officially returning for the 2016 season with the Ragin’ Cajuns. It was the best decision for me being that it will be my senior season and I want to be able to talk about my last season as a college football player when the game is over. I want to thank my family, friends and everyone in the Houma and Lafayette community for the support. Most importantly, I want to thank God. Lafayette is a place where I grew up and became a man. I want to enjoy my last season as a Cajun with a great group of men."

STATEMENT FROM MARK HUDSPETH
"We are excited about Eli’s decision to return for his senior season. I know he has had a lot on his mind and I’m sure he is excited that it’s finally over. Elijah is a great ambassador for the University and I know he is looking forward to working with his teammates to get our team back to the top."