AUSTIN (KXAN) — With the Longhorns bowl game against the University of Michigan just five days away, head coach Steve Sarkisian needed some good news in regards to his roster. Friday afternoon, defensive back Jelani McDonald posted on Instagram that he “will be returning to the University of Texas” to complete his career as a senior.

In his junior season, McDonald was an intricate peace to Longhorns 35th ranked defense. His final stat line after 12 games were 73 tackles (43 solo), three interceptions, and three pass deflections.

McDonald’s role becomes more important without Michael Taaffe in the backfield. His first test without Taaffe and a handful of new faces in the defensive rotation will be in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl Dec. 31 against Michigan.

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