LSU's DE Jackson and LB Beckwith plan to return; DE Pittman seeking 6th season of eligibility

1/15/2008 12:20 PM

BATON ROUGE (AP) -Top LSU defenders Darry Beckwith and Tyson Jackson will return for their senior seasons with the national championship squad.

Kirston Pittman, another defensive standout, also might return to the team if the NCAA approves his application for a sixth year of eligibility, coach Les Miles said.

Pittman, a defensive end, may be able to return because he missed 2005 and 2006 with injuries but took a medical redshirt for only one of them.

Mirian Segar, LSU's associate athletic director for student services, said it could take three to four weeks for the NCAA to decide Pittman's status once the paperwork has been filed.

``We are obviously excited that they have decided to return to LSU for another season, not just because they are outstanding players, but they are quality young men with tremendous character who will be among the core leaders on next year's team,'' Miles said Monday night in a statement.

Pittman, who also played in LSU's 2003 team that won a BCS title, started all 14 games in 2007. He was in on 68 tackles and finished with team highs of 13 1/2 tackles for losses and eight sacks. Pittman was also credited with 14 quarterback hurries and an interception.

Beckwith started 12 games at middle linebacker, making or assisting on 65 tackles. He also had 6 1/2 tackles for losses, 1 1/2 sacks and an interception.

Jackson, a defensive end, had 36 tackles, including 4 1/2 tackles for losses and 3 1/2 sacks. Jackson, who has started for three seasons, also led the Tigers with 15 quarterback hurries and batted down 10 passes.