Houston QB Case Keenum to stay for senior year

Jan 13, 2010 - 11:02 PM HOUSTON(AP) -- Houston quarterback Case Keenum has decided to play for the Cougars his senior year, skipping the NFL draft.

"I feel this is a very special group of guys, and we have a lot of chemistry and history together and played a lot of games over the years," Keenum said in a statement issued by the university Wednesday. "When you have a team like this, it's your family and you want to stay together as long as you can."

Keenum led the Cougars to a Conference USA West Division title before they lost to East Carolina in the conference championship game and to Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl.

"We have a chance to do something special this season," he said. "I want to win a conference championship, win another bowl game and take a shot at the BCS."

Keenum's decision was first reported by KRIV-TV in Houston.

Keenum is one of two players in big-college history to throw for more than 5,000 yards in each of two seasons. He threw 44 touchdown passes last season and ranked sixth nationally in passing efficiency.

Keenum had submitted his name to the NFL council that advises underclassmen where they might be taken in the April draft. The deadline for declaring eligibility for the draft is Thursday.