Quarterback Jake Bentley to return to South Carolina

With the holidays behind us and bowl season pretty much over, upperclassmen around the country are announcing their decisions on whether they’ll go pro. South Carolina’s own Jake Bentley, a junior who submitted his NFL paperwork for evaluation, has decided to return.

Bentley is coming off a campaign that saw him rack up 3,171 passing yards and 27 touchdowns for a 61.7 percent completion rating. However, he did toss 14 interceptions, and the Gamecocks’ offense moved in fits and starts at times (although other factors besides Bentley’s individual performance were also at play). After a promising freshman campaign and some ups and downs since then, South Carolina will be looking for him to have a more consistent senior season.

Bentley will return to a quarterback room that features a former South Carolina Mr. Football in Dakereon Joyner, as well as highly-touted incoming recruit Ryan Hilinski.

The Gamecocks are still waiting on receiver Bryan Edwards to make the call on the NFL. Earlier this week, offensive lineman Donell Stanley also opted to return to school.