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A record number of underclassmen declared early for this year's NFL Draft, including 26 players from the SEC, but there were also a handful of redshirt sophomores and juniors who chose to return to school. Why? Why turn down money and the chance to play at the next level for another year in college? We asked the players as part of this week’s roundtable. Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama “After looking at all the facts with Coach [Nick] Saban and my family, we just felt it was the best decision for me to make. The biggest thing is just being patient. I know my time is coming.”  O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
“At the end of the day, I had goals that I set out for myself. I wanted to graduate college first, and I did that in May. I had a couple goals on the field as far as becoming a better route-runner at the top of my routes and being a dominant blocker in the run game, a force. Just being an all-around tight end. I want to take that next step, and I thought coming back to school would help me do that. With Coach [Mario] Cristobal coming in now, we’re steps away from that now. We’re getting close.” Eddie Jackson, DB, Alabama “I had a talk with my parents and Coach Saban. One of the biggest things was coming back and getting a college degree. I also wanted to better myself -- better athlete, better safety. There are some things I can work on. I really want to come back and help the team as much as possible.” Carl Lawson, DL, Auburn “It wasn’t a good fit for me and my family. I didn’t think I was a good enough football player. I still had time for development. I’ve been at Auburn for a while, but unfortunately I’ve had some injuries and I haven’t played that much. That football experience -- going through a full spring and then being able to train and get faster and stronger -- it was appealing to me.” Tre’Davious White, DB, LSU “The No. 1 thing was being one of the first kids in my family to graduate from college. That was big. And then the opportunity to have another year just stress-free of eating for free, living for free and doing all the things that a kid does. Who wants to try to go forward before you live it up your last year? I made my friends in college, so I wanted to be with them throughout the whole thing.” Charles Harris, DL, Missouri “It was a thought, but for the most part, I didn’t really think too hard about it. I wanted to come back and play for Harold [Brantley], play with him. Also, I feel like I haven’t really made my name here at Mizzou. I haven’t really left my mark. There’s just a lot of knowledge that needs to be passed on to the younger guys, and I need to make sure the program is in the right hands and that the D-line tradition is set in place before I just take off and leave to further myself.” Evan Engram, TE, Ole Miss “I want to come back and win. I definitely want to take that next step and play in the league, but it was a smart decision to come back. I want to win something. That ring in Atlanta would mean the world to me, to this team, and that’s our goal. I’m really excited about this last opportunity to get it done. I just have a good feeling about it.” Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB, Tennessee “The big thing is I just felt like it was the best decision for me as far as my future and where I see myself in the future. Also, I feel like we have a lot of unfinished business since I’ve been here. All these guys who came in with me, we all said we want to get Tennessee back to where it should be, back to the top of the SEC. I feel we can get that accomplished this year.” Cam Sutton, DB, Tennessee “I’m doing it for causes bigger than me. I felt like the opportunity, if God keeps allowing me to do what I’m doing, will still be there after this season. But I’m doing it for my teammates, my coaching staff, the community, the program, just the whole state of Tennessee, our whole brand, and just my experience here, on top of me finishing school in December as well. All that took a big part in that decision to come back.”
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