Georgia has been very fortunate this offseason when it comes to NFL declarations.

Four major pieces from this year’s team (Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Davin Bellamy, Lorenzo Carter) have all announced their intentions to return to school for their senior seasons.

A fifth member will also join them back in 2017.

Safety Dominick Sanders announced after Friday’s bowl victory over TCU that he will return to school — and bypass the NFL for one more season.

He spoke to the media about why he’s returning to Athens (per 247Sports):

“I’ve been made the decision with my family but I just wanted to keep focusing on this game, concentrate on my opponent and we came out here and got the job done. I told myself that I would let my coaches know. I’d let coach (Kirby) Smart know. I called him in and told him that I love him and thank him for everything he has taught me. I wanted him to keep doing what he’s doing and keep being on my butt. I told him I’m staying and that this is a better opportunity for me and my family.”

 

Sanders has accrued 12 interceptions in the past two seasons. He’s four away from tying the school record of 16.

With the aforementioned quintet returning — coupled with the expected leap of QB Jacob Eason and the arrival of a star-studded 2017 class — Georgia appears to be the early favorite within the SEC East next year.