ASU's Omar Bolden returning for senior season

Arizona State University cornerback Omar Bolden, after consulting with family members, the ASU coaching staff and the National Football League, has decided to remain in school and play 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. Bolden added three tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and one forced fumble. He also returned 11 kickoffs for 321 yards and a 29.2-yard average. He returned one 97 yards for a touchdown against Wisconsin. For his special teams play, Bolden also was named Second-Team All-Pac-10 Conference in 2010 as a kickoff return specialist.

In March of 2010 Bolden was granted an additional year of eligibility for the Sun Devil football team, as his medical hardship petition was approved by the Pac-10. Bolden missed almost the entire 2009 season due to injury.

“I’m ready to bring that Pac-12 Championship back to Tempe. I’m ready to set it off right for the 2011 season.”

Bolden’s 2010 biography can be found here: http://thesundevils.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/bolden_omar00.html.