Sometimes it's cool to stay in school.
Several key playmakers decided to return to college for the 2015 season. That included a few Heisman Trophy candidates, potential first-round picks and key pieces to some College Football Playoff contenders.
Who is on that list of returners? Here’s a look at the top 20 players who decided to skip the NFL Draft, at least for a year.
Roberto Aguayo, K, Florida State
A kicker? Really? Aguayo isn’t just any kicker. He’s 48-of-52 on field-goal attempts the last two years, including a 18-of-22 mark from 40 yards or more. Did he really want to get the Lou Groza Award back that bad?
Devontae Booker, RB, Utah
Booker returns for a fifth year with the Utes. He rushed for 1,512 yards and 10 TDs and had more than 100 yards in six Pac-12 games. He could start a Doak Walker Award campaign with a big effort in the Thursday night season opener against Michigan.
Trevone Boykin, QB, TCU
Boykin’s return has the Horned Frogs thinking national championship next season. He totaled 41 TDs as a junior for a TCU offense ranked second in the nation with 46.2 points per game. Boykin also will be in the discussion for the Heisman Trophy.
Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
Calhoun totaled eight sacks as a junior, and returns as the Spartans’ best edge rusher. With a monster senior year, the 6-5, 256-pound force could play his way into the top 10 of the first round.
Jeremy Cash, S, Duke
Cash compiled 111 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions for the Blue Devils last season. He has the size (6-2, 205 pounds) to be a Pro Bowl player at the next level. Cash’s return is a bonus for the Blue Devils.
Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
Cook is the next ready-made NFL quarterback to come from the Michigan State pipeline (Brian Hoyer, Kirk Cousins), and he might just be the best. He’s led the Spartans with 46 TDs and just 14 interceptions the last two seasons. Cook could be the first quarterback taken in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Spencer Drango, T, Baylor
Drango, a consensus All-American, returned from a ruptured disk in his back for the Bears this season. He’s every bit as important to Art Briles’ wide-open offense as the quarterback and receivers. The Bears have the nation’s most dominant tackle back on campus.
D.J. Foster, RB, Arizona State
Foster averaged more than 5.0 yards per carry each of the last two seasons, but his unique ability to catch the ball (63 catches in 2013, 62 catches in 2014) will continue to pay off for the Sun Devils. The decision to return will improve his stock for 2016.
Jordan Jenkins, LB, Georgia
The Bulldogs are deep at linebacker, and Jenkins solidified that with his return. He totaled 70 tackles, including 9.5 tackles for loss. Jenkins is an excellent pass rusher who can vault into the first round with a strong showing in the SEC.
Cardale Jones, QB, Ohio State
Jones put together arguably the most-impressive three-game stretch in Ohio State history with wins against Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon. Now, the 6-5, 255-pounder will have to fight to win the starting job. Jones turned down potential second-round money to come back to Ohio State. It’s a high-risk, high-reward decision for “12-Gauge.”
Cody Kessler, QB, USC
Kessler thrived in Steve Sarkisian’s system with 39 TDs and five interceptions, including the six-TD masterpiece against Notre Dame. Now, can Kessler lead the Trojans back to the top in the Pac-12 and follow in the footsteps of Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez? Kessler’s decision to return means he’s accepted that challenge.
Byron Marshall, RB/WR, Oregon
Marshall led the Ducks in receiving yards (1,003) after switching from running back to receiver last season, but he still has the ability to play both positions. Marshall had eight catches for 169 yards and a TD in the championship game, and his decision to return should help the Ducks transition from life without Marcus Mariota.
Jalen Mills, S, LSU
The Tigers benefited from players staying in Baton Rouge for change. Mills announced his decision along with offensive linemen Jerald Hawkins and Vadal Alexander. Mills is a hard-hitting safety who totaled 62 tackles and three sacks.
Shawn Oakman, DT, Baylor
Shawn Oakman is so big, that ... There are about a million ways to finish the sentence, but the 6-8, 275-pound interior linemen gives the Bears a mammoth presence in the middle. The raw talent and vitals are obvious. Can Oakman be a dominating force?
Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State
Prescott inherits the title of the best returning quarterback in the SEC. He totaled 41 TDs in carrying the Bulldogs to the Orange Bowl last season. Prescott’s task is to keep Mississippi State on the national radar. Will he finish the job?
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama
The Crimson Tide lost a lot to the NFL Draft, but Ragland’s return at middle linebacker helps solidify the defense. Ragland is a nasty hitter who totaled 95 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss, and he’ll anchor what figures to be another stingy defense in 2015.
Ronnie Stanley, T, Notre Dame
Stanley, a 6-6, 318-pound left tackle, was projected to be a first-round pick in this year’s draft. He returns and will counted on to protect either Malik Zaire or Everett Golson. Stanley’s return is a huge boost for a Notre Dame team looking to build off the Music City Bowl win against LSU.
Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma
Striker totaled nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss for the Sooners this year, and he’s one of the most-feared pass rushers in the Big 12. If Oklahoma is going to take back the conference title, then Striker is going to have to continue to be a force.
Duke Williams, WR, Auburn
The Tigers lost Sammie Coates to the NFL Draft, but Williams is every bit the home-run hitter in Gus Malzahn’s offense. Williams averaged 16.2 yards per catch despite the occasional drop, and with more consistency could be one of the top receivers in the nation next season.
Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas
If Arkansas is going to compete in the SEC West, then Williams will have to repeat his 1,190-yard, 12-TD season. Williams will be running behind a large offensive line, and we know Bret Bielema is going to pound the football. Williams could challenge for the SEC rushing title.
