Wisconsin's Beckum to return for senior year

12/20/2007 5:12 PM

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -Wisconsin tight end Travis Beckum plans to return for his senior season with the Badgers.

Beckum, a finalist for the 2007 John Mackey Award given to the best tight end in the country, said Thursday he looked into his opportunities before deciding to spend another season in school.

``I'm enjoying being a Badger and can't wait for our bowl game in Tampa, as well as for next season,'' Beckum said in a statement. ``I'm glad this decision is behind me and I'm looking forward to another year at Camp Randall.''

Beckum, a third-team All-America selection, had 73 catches and for 960 yards, the most among tight ends in the nation and a school record. He is three catches shy of breaking wide receiver Lee Evans' school record for receptions in a season and is 40 yards away from becoming the fourth 1,000-yard receiver in school history.

Wisconsin (9-3) plays Tennessee (9-4) in the Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla. on Jan. 1.

``I always encourage our players to explore the options they have and we give them all the help we can,'' Badgers coach Bret Bielema said. ``Travis saw that the best situation for him is to remain a Badger and I support that and, obviously, I'm very excited to have him with us for his final year.''