Knoxville, TN -- (Sports Network) - Tennessee running back Arian Foster announced he will return for his senior season instead of making himself eligible for the NFL Draft.

"I got a lot better feedback than I even expected," Foster said at a news conference Tuesday. "I got a second-round grade and talking with some people, they said I could even slide into the first. It's hard turning that down."

Foster led the Volunteers with 1,193 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 39 passes for 340 yards and two scores.

"This University has meant so much to me in that I've grown up and become a man here," Foster said. "It was hard to leave. I felt like one more year of polishing myself, I will be ready for the next level."

Foster also said his goal was to win a national championship and thinks the Volunteers have enough talent to accomplish the feat.

Foster has 2,394 yards rushing for his collegiate career, and is approaching Travis Henry's (3,078) school record.