The season has officially come to a close for the Oklahoma Sooners leaving several players to contemplate the future. After a trivial start to the year, linebacker Caleb Kelly’s name popped up on one such list. Playing three years on the collegiate circuit the former five-star recruit announced his intentions to return for a senior campaign.

Caleb Kelly on returning to #Sooners for his senior season: "This year, I only played half of it. I have to stay for sure. I’m not even thinking about going to the league."

— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) December 30, 2018

Appearing in the first two games of the year, Kelly failed to appear in games three and four. Knowing a player can enter a four separate contests before burning a redshirt, discussions between the coaching staff and Kelly became public knowledge. By the time November rolled around, the linebacker surpassed the allotment as the defense utilized Kelly as a pass rusher.

Securing 61 total tackles and two forced fumbles, the decision to return adds starting experience to a previously lackluster defense. Moving into a senior year, expect Kelly to be a vocal and emotional leader on the field as the group looks to improve drastically. Of course, a defensive coordinator has yet to be named.