By Rob Moseley

Editor, GoDucks.com

EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon junior defensive end DeForest Buckner said Wednesday he will remain in school to play his final season with the Ducks.

“After sitting down with my parents and weighing all the pros and cons, I have come to the conclusion that it is best for me to return to school for my senior year,” Buckner said. “I am close to finishing my degree and that is very important to me. That is the reason I came here in the first place.

“I love the University of Oregon and see big things for us next year. Plus I feel that another year of experience here and under Coach (Ron) Aiken can only help my development and better prepare me for the next level.”

Buckner will bring a streak of 23 consecutive starts into the 2015 season. He was fourth among UO defenders and tops among linemen with 81 tackles this past year, including a team-high 13 tackles for lost yardage.

In 41 career appearances, Buckner has 149 tackles with 7.5 sacks among his 19 tackles for lost yardage.

“We’re obviously very excited in regards to DeForest’s decision to return next year,” Aiken said. “He is a good student-athlete as well as an outstanding football player, and we look forward to having his leadership back for another year.”