Tech's Gathers says he'll return for senior season

ATLANTA - Defensive end Greg Gathers will remain at Georgia Tech for his senior season, the LaPlace, La., native announced Wednesday.

``I am looking forward to my senior season at Georgia Tech,'' Gathers said. ``It's important to me and to my family that I get my degree, and I know that I can improve as a football player while I continue my education.''

The 6-1, 260-pound Gathers is a two-time first-team all-Atlantic Coast Conference selection. He led the ACC with 10 sacks, following a 13-sack effort in 2000.

Gathers, who has started every game the last three seasons, is Georgia Tech's career leader in sacks with 30 and tackles for loss with 56, along with 187 career tackles. He ranks sixth in ACC history in career sacks.