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The 2014 Louisville draft tracker is off to a fast start as defensive end Lorenzo Mauldin has announced that he will be returning for his senior season shortly after his teammate Calvin Pryor announced that he would be doing the opposite.
After talking with coaches and others I've decided not to declare for the 2014 draft and continue to play at the University Of Louisville.
— Lorenzo Mauldin (@94sWorldPremier) December 30, 2013
Mauldin teamed with All-American Marcus Smith to form one of the most feared set of pass rushers in the country this year. Mauldin, who has battled injuries his entire career, was finally able to stay healthy (despite being hit by a car) and produced an All-AAC season where he recorded 40 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks.
With bowl season finishing up, Mauldin is ranked 26th in the nation in sacks per game. He combined with Smith to total more sacks between the two of them than the entire team had last season. Mauldin will enter his senior year with experienced players Deiontrez Mount, Nick Dawson, and B.J. Dubose looking to make up another formidable pass rush. Incoming JUCO defensive end Trevon Young should also join the rotation.
Mauldin will enter his last season with 21 career tackles for loss and 15 sacks. He will have an opportunity to put his stamp on the U of L record books in its first year in the ACC.