Clemson RB Ellington to stick around

CLEMSON -- Berkeley High product Andre Ellington is returning for his senior season at Clemson. The star running back announced his decision Tuesday after reporting for a team meeting.

Ellington is coming off a productive but injury-plagued season, as he rushed for 1,178 yards, 11 touchdowns and 5.3 yards per carry. Ellington missed the Georgia Tech game with an ankle injury suffered against North Carolina. Ellington missed four games in 2010 with a foot injury that required surgery.

"Last year's success has me excited to enter the 2012 season as a Clemson Tiger," Ellington said.

Ellington is regarded as the ninth-best running back in the 2013 draft class, according to CBSSports.com, meaning he was at best a mid-round draft choice in 2012 NFL draft. Ellington submitted paperwork last month to the NFL's underclassmen advisory committee.

Ellington ranks 10th in Clemson history with 2,355 rushing yards. He needs 1,612 yards to break Raymond Priester's career rushing mark at the school.

Ellington finished the 2011 season strong with a 125-yard effort against Virginia Tech in the ACC title game and 116 yards in the Orange Bowl on just 10 carries.

The return of the decisive and quick-cutting back means Clemson will return a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard receiver and 1,000-yard running back for the first time in its history.