Will Fuller could be a top-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, but the Notre Dame wide receiver isn’t planning on making the leap to the professional ranks yet.
According to Bleacher Report’s Mike Monaco, Fuller said he will return to South Bend for his senior season.
#NotreDame WR Will Fuller said he will return in 2016.
— Mike Monaco (@MikeMonaco_) November 11, 2015
Through nine appearances in 2015, the 6-foot, 184-pound wideout has reeled in 44 passes for 900 yards and 12 touchdowns. Fuller has topped the 100-yard mark five times and scored in eight games. The only time he didn’t record a touchdown was in a downpour at Clemson.
Last year, he notched 76 receptions for 1,094 yards and 15 scores—which tied a program record—and Sports Illustrated named him an honorable mention All-American.
Fuller is undersized for a prototypical outside receiver in the NFL, but his speed will be a useful asset once he learns how to beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage by using more than quickness.
He’s a stellar downfield threat, evidenced by his eight touchdowns of 30-plus yards this season.
Although Fuller will probably never be a true No. 1 target, he has the talent to provide an excellent complement for a receiver who works best at the intermediate level. NFL offenses have evolved into pass-focused attacks, so it’s vital to have someone like Fuller stretch the field.
He probably could have declared and gone in the second round of 2016. But assuming Fuller sticks with this decision and stays for another year of development, he could sprint himself soundly into the first round.