Los Angeles, CA (My Sportsbook) - Southern California's two-time All- American safety Taylor Mays announced on Tuesday that he will return for his 2009 senior season as a Trojan.

"There are a lot more things I want to accomplish as a player, a student and a person, things that I've dreamed about for a long time and that are big goals to me," said Mays. "Returning to USC will help me be the best player I can be and put me in the best position possible for the next level."

Mays has started the past three seasons (2006-08) at free safety for the Trojans, recording 180 tackles and four interceptions in his career. He was a consensus first-team All-American as a junior this past season and was a finalist for the Thorpe Award as he made 53 tackles and a team-best nine deflections for 12-1 USC.

"We're obviously delighted to learn of Taylor's decision. He and his family did a lot of research and made an educated decision," said USC head coach Pete Carroll. "He embodies all the virtues of staying. He wants to do this not only to improve as a player, but he's coming back for his team, for his school and for the fans. We're looking forward to Taylor having another outstanding season in 2009 and furthering his standing as a player and a person. He's one of the most gifted safeties to ever play at USC and he wants to come back and do it one more time."