LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Running back Ameer Abdullah says he’s returning to Nebraska for his senior season even though the NFL draft advisory committee told him he probably would be selected “very high in the first half” of this year’s draft.

Abdullah said Thursday that he wants to finish his college education before turning pro. He said he’ll receive his history degree in December. He said all eight of his siblings are college graduates.

Abdullah said the high number of running backs in the draft pool didn’t affect his decision. He had the most productive season by a Nebraska rusher since Ahman Green in 1997. Abdullah went over 1,000 yards for the second straight year. His 1,690 yards was the fourth-best total in program history.