George Sipple

Detroit Free Press

Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. said he’s leaning toward returning as a fifth-year senior next season, rather than turning pro.

Hurst, the son of former New England Patriots cornerback Maurice Hurst, redshirted as a freshman in 2013.

Michigan (9-1, 6-1) has 15 fifth-year seniors and 28 fourth-year players heading into senior day against Indiana (5-5, 3-4) at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (ESPN).

Asked whether he’s looking at Saturday possibly being his last game at Michigan Stadium, Hurst said: “I mean, yeah. Obviously, that’s something I have to talk about with my family and just make that decision towards the end of the year.

“I mean, I’m just worried about winning the game at this point. Not really concerned about myself.”

Hurst said he’ll probably talk to his family about his future after the Ohio State game on Nov. 26.

Asked what factors he’ll weigh, Hurst said: “Just talk through it with everyone and just see what they believe is best. Probably talk to coach (Jim) Harbaugh and everyone.”

Asked whether he was leaning one way, Hurst said: “I think I want to stay for a fifth year and pursue a master's degree. I think that’s something that would be a little bit heavier sway towards.

“I just love playing here. It’s been everything I’ve imagined, especially this past two years of winning so many games. Just the atmosphere and everything on campus has been great. The coaches are great, and they’ve done a great job of helping improve players. That’s something that I’ve noticed. I’ve been able to get a lot better under them.”

Hurst has three sacks, 8.5 tackles for loss and 28 tackles in nine games this season. He had three sacks, 6.5 tackles for loss and 35 tackles in 13 games in 2015.

Michigan’s defensive line will be a lot younger next season. If Hurst returns, he could face more double teams. The line projects to be Hurst and Bryan Mone as the defensive tackles and Chase Winovich and Rashan Gary as the defensive ends.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Jabrill Peppers is projected to be a first-round NFL pick. Another player who will have a decision to make is junior center Mason Cole.