UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley made it official Monday at a news conference: He is returning for his junior season. But he also said the 2014 season would be his last in college.
Hundley (6-foot-3, 222 pounds) threw for 3,071 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions, and also ran for a team-high 748 yards and 11 TDs this season, his second as the Bruins' starter.
He gets high marks from everyone for his arm and his mobility. But Hundley has some issues, most notably his accuracy on deep throws and his decision-making in the pocket. He can be maddeningly slow in going through his progressions, which, in turn, leaves him susceptible to sacks. UCLA allowed 36 sacks this season, second-most in the Pac-12.
Hundley said his draft evaluation was between the second and fourth rounds, but he said he was confident he would've been a first-rounder. He also admitted that reports saying he was the No. 1 quarterback on some teams' boards held some sway.
Hundley's return should mean UCLA will head into next season as the Pac-12 South favorite. The league also should be home to two of the nation's top five or so quarterbacks, as Oregon sophomore Marcus Mariota already has announced he's staying in school.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.