OXFORD —  Ole Miss defensive end Greg Hardy will return for his senior season with the Rebels, athletic officials said on Thursday.

“I’m excited to return for my senior year and look forward to helping our team build on the success we enjoyed this season,” Hardy said. “Professional football is a goal every college player strives to reach, but I feel it is in my best interest to return to school. My parents support my decision, and I know my mom wants me to graduate from Ole Miss.”

Hardy earned All-America honors each of the last two seasons, including third team distinction in 2008 despite playing in only nine of the 13 games. He topped the Rebels in quarterback sacks with 8.5, and his average of .94 sacks per game would have led the Southeastern Conference and ranked seventh in the NCAA had he played in the minimum 75 percent of the games.

“We’re very excited Greg has decided to return to school,” Rebel head coach Houston Nutt said. “I had a good visit with his mom, and Greg has more he wants to accomplish. He talked about how much he loved the bowl experience, and he has personal goals he wants to attain.”

As a sophomore, Hardy was named a Walter Camp Second Team All-America after finishing fifth in the nation with 18 tackles for loss and he tied for sixth in the nation with 10 sacks.