Clemson, SC -- (Sports Network) - Clemson running back James Davis reversed course and decided to return to the school.

Davis, the Tigers' number-two career rusher and touchdown scorer, originally announced his desire to turn professional on January 9.

On Friday, Davis faxed a letter to the NFL and Clemson, asking that his name be removed from consideration.

"I James Davis of Clemson University hereby withdraw my name from the 2008 NFL Draft, effective immediately," said Davis' letter.

The deadline for withdrawing from the draft is Friday at midnight.

"We welcome James back to Clemson," said head coach Tommy Bowden. "I know it was a difficult decision for him and we continued to communicate. In the final analysis he realizes this is the best decision for him and his family. This decision will give him a much better opportunity to graduate, which I know is important to James and his family.

"He will certainly be one of the leaders of our team next year, just as he has been the last three years. His draft status will be much higher after another year at Clemson. He should be one of the top running backs in the nation next year."

Davis has been Clemson's top rusher each of the last three years, the first Clemson running back to lead the Tigers in rushing for three consecutive years since Raymond Priester did it from 1995-97.

Davis finished this past season with 1,064 yards on 214 carries, his second consecutive 1000-yard season. He joins Priester and Woody Dantzler as the only players in school history with two 1000-yard seasons.

"I am so happy to return to Clemson," Davis said. "I want to thank my mom because we talked a long time last night. She has provided great support for me and she helped me work through this.

"I knew today was the final deadline. I woke up last night at 3:00 am (et) and just thought about everything and thought about my future. Coming back to Clemson is just the right thing to do for me athletically and academically."