South Bend, IN

Instead of taking their chances in next year's NFL Draft, tackles Zach Martin and Louis Nix have decided to stay with Notre Dame, the nation's No. 1 team, for another year.

Their decision was announced by coach Brian Kelly during the Fighting Irish's bowl media day.

A fourth-year junior with a fifth-year option, Martin has started each of the Fighting Irish's past 38 games at left tackle and is one of two offensive captains this season.

Nix, a third-year sophomore nose tackle with two years of eligibility remaining, has played in all 25 games the past two years after redshirting in 2010, and he has made 21 starts.

Nix has helped turn the Fighting Irish into No. 1 scoring defense in the nation, recording 45 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and one forced fumble.

However, Kelly said that fourth-year junior running back Cierre Wood has not made a decision on his future yet.

Kelly also announced that reserve freshman tackle Ronnie Stanley will be out for the Jan. 7 Discover BCS National Championship against Alabama after undergoing surgery to repair an issue in his elbow.

"Reserve sophomore center Matt Hegarty had a procedure done as well and is expected to be back in the spring," Kelly added.

 

Notre Dame lineman Zack Martin talks about his decision to return to the Irish next season instead of heading to the NFL. Martin also talks about preparing for Alabama in the national title game

Martin and Nix to Stay at Notre Dame for Another Year

 

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