Jan. 12, 2001

Villanova University junior running back Brian Westbrook announced on Friday that he will return to Villanova for his senior season in 2001. Westbrook, who will graduate in May with a degree in management information systems, had considered forgoing his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Following graduation in May, he will enroll in Villanova's MBA program.

"After carefully studying all my options, I have decided to return to Villanova for my senior season," said Westbrook. "I am excited about coming back and I am looking forward to helping the team have a successful season."

After becoming the first player in the history of NCAA football at any level to rush for 1,000 yards and receive for 1,000 yards during his sophomore campaign in 1998, Westbrook missed all of the 1999 season because of a knee injury. Due to a medical redshirt, Westbrook has a fifth year of eligibility remaining for the 2001 season.

Last year as a junior, Westbrook led the nation in all-purpose yardage with 2,992 yards. In 11 games, he tallied 1,220 yards on 179 carries (6.8 yards per rush) and 15 touchdowns, 59 receptions for 724 yards and five scores and he returned 38 kickoffs for 1,048 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he finished third in NCAA Division I-AA in scoring with 136 points. For his efforts, Westbrook received numerous honors including first team All-American distinction, Atlantic 10 Conference Offensive Player of the Year and ECAC Offensive Player of the Year.

Entering the 2001 season, Westbrook has 7,129 yards of career all-purpose yardage and is just 1,247 yards shy of Jerry Azumah's (University of New Hampshire 1994-98) NCAA I-AA record of 8,376 career all-purpose yards. Former University of Texas star Ricky Williams owns the Division I-A record for all-purpose yards with 7,206.

"Everyone at Villanova is elated that Brian has decided to return for a fifth year and the opportunity to obtain an MBA," said Villanova head football coach Andy Talley. "His return will certainly help us be a factor in the Atlantic 10 Conference."

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