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Rutgers offensive lineman Kaleb Johnson will have to wait a year before getting a call from an NFL team after deciding to return for his senior season instead of applying for early entry to the Draft.

(William Perlman/The Star-Ledger)

For its first season in the Big Ten this fall, Rutgers will return its entire offensive line intact.

That became the case today when left guard and three-year starter Kaleb Johnson announced that he will return for his senior season after weighing the possibility of early entry into the NFL Draft early, the school announced.

Johnson had put his chances of returning at "50-50" following Rutgers' Pinstripe Bowl loss to Notre Dame.

"After speaking to my family and coach (Kyle) Flood, it was in my best interest to return to Rutgers for my senior season,” Johnson said in a statement released by the school. “Academically, I will be in position to graduate next spring, which was an important goal when I committed to play at Rutgers. When reviewing all the options to stay or head to the NFL, my heart was to finish what I started with my family here at Rutgers.”

The 6-4, 305-pounder from Jacksonville, Fla. has started 37 consecutive games in his career.

Johnson joins left tackle Keith Lumpkin, center Betim Bujari, right guard Chris Mueller and right tackle Taj Alexander on the Scarlet Knights' returning offensive line. In addition, the starting backfield will return in its entirety as well.

Johnson sought and received an NFL grade on his draft prospects for this year, opting to return after getting that information back.

“Kaleb has a bright future at the next level, but we are excited that he has decided to return to Rutgers for his senior year,” Flood said in a statement through the school. “I know earning his degree from an outstanding academic institution like Rutgers was very important to Kaleb and his family, and he will be in excellent position to do so next spring.”