Notre Dame’s Michael Floyd not entering 2011 NFL Draft

“This was one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make in my life,” Floyd said. “On the one hand, there was Notre Dame. This place has been an incredible home to me and the relationships I built here are ones I know I’ll have for the rest of my life. On the other hand, there was the NFL. It has always been a lifelong goal to play football at the highest level and that is something I look forward to doing at some point. However, I’m pleased to say I will be returning to the University of Notre Dame for my senior season in 2011.

Floyd finished the 2010 season with 79 receptions for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns. They were impressive numbers given Notre Dame’s shaky quarterback play this season.

Two people have to be thrilled about Floyd’s decision. The first, and most obvious, is Irish head coach Brian Kelly.

The second is Pittsburgh wide receiver Jonathan Baldwin. The debate would have been who is the third-best receiver in the draft, with Floyd being slightly better than Baldwin. Now Baldwin, who is expected to dazzle at the combine, should be able to get drafted somewhere in the teens.Floyd will get to go back to school and develop a good rapport with whomever ends up being the team’s quarterback. Dayne Crist started the year as the starter before an injury led to Tommy Rees starting the final five four games. Floyd could develop next season into a top 10 pick.

“I want to show everyone in the country that I’m the best wide receiver in college football in 2011,” Floyd said. “There are many things I need to improve, but I feel with the coaching I have at Notre Dame, I can become the best at my position in this game.”

Update: According to Chad Reuter of CBS Sports, Floyd was given a third-round grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Committee. I find that absurd.