Speculation entering the 2006 season had cornerback Antoine Cason leaving for the NFL draft after his junior season. As of now, that speculation could be off base.

“”I’m still a junior, I have one more year,”” Cason said. “”That’s how I see it as of now: I have a senior year to play here.””

But the Long Beach, Calif., native admitted that the thought had crossed his mind.

“”Of course you think about it a little bit, I’d be crazy not to,”” he said. “”But I still have another year.””

An official decision will come sometime after the conclusion of Arizona’s season – a date that depends upon a bowl invitation – and after a discussion with his parents and coaches, Cason said.

Cason, who has three interceptions and was a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given each year to the nation’s top defensive back, said he’ll pursue all the choices he has.

“”It feels good to have that option,”” he said. “”It’s the ultimate dream. You know, you dream about playing in the NFL, but you just have to think things through fully, and you can’t just jump into anything.””