Cincinnati, OH (My Sportsbook) - University of Cincinnati wide receiver/kick returner Mardy Gilyard announced he will return to the school for his senior season on Wednesday.

"I'm better served by staying in school for my senior year," Gilyard said. "I still have a lot to learn as a player. We accomplished some great things in 2008 and I look forward to continuing that in 2009."

A first-team all-Big East pick at both wide receiver and kick returner this past season, Gilyard had 81 catches for a school-record 1,276 yards and a team-high 11 touchdowns. He also set a school record with 994 kickoff return yards along with a pair of touchdowns en route to picking up 2008 Big East Special Teams Player of the Year honors as well.

Gilyard logged a team-high seven 100-plus yard receiving games, including four straight to close out what was Cincinnati's best season in school history. An 11-3 campaign resulted in the school's first ever Big East Championship and the program's first ever appearance in a BCS bowl game.

The Bearcats eventually dropped a 20-7 decision to Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl on New Year's Day with Gilyard starring yet again, racking up seven receptions for a school-record 158 yards and a TD in the loss.