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Senior defensive end Tyson Jackson can be considered this season’s Glenn Dorsey in more ways than one.Jackson, like Dorsey, has established himself as both a physical and emotional leader on the defensive line. And like Dorsey, Jackson mulled leaving LSU for the NFL after his junior season.But despite Scout.com and ESPN.com projecting him as a first- or second-round pick in last year’s NFL draft, Jackson stayed for his senior year. “I wanted to come back and graduate because I was only three hours away, and also play with my football team one last time,” he said. “I made a really wise decision, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”NFL draft analyst Mike Detillier said Jackson returning was a great way to increase his draft stock.”My big belief is unless you’re assured of being a first-round pick or very early second round, you should come back,” Detillier said.Detillier said Jackson has improved his game from past years. He said the Edgard native is potential first-round material in the 2009 draft.After tallying 8.5 sacks and 37 tackles in 2006, Jackson’s production dropped slightly last season, picking up only 3.5 sacks and 36 tackles in 14 games.”He had a tremendous sophomore season, but he didn’t play up to that last year,” Detillier said. “He had some moments where he was more noted for penalties than plays. But what I see this year is a lot of consistency. He has the size, the athletic ability and speed to the quarterback that you want in a defensive end.”Jackson was one of the few bright spots on defense in LSU’s loss to Florida, collecting three tackles, two sacks and his first fumble recovery of the season. He returned the fumble untouched for 18 yards.After giving up 51 points to the Gators, Jackson said he still doesn’t doubt returning to the team was the right thing to do.”I wanted to come out and prove I was a dominant football player within this conference,” he said. “Playing within this conference, it’s hard to win them all, but I’m not doubting myself at all. I’m playing with some of the best guys in the world right now, and I just love that experience.” Senior linebacker Darry Beckwith said Jackson’s presence on defense is key. Jackson has recorded 15 tackles, 2.5 sacks, six quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery through five games this season.”He really takes control of the game and gets everybody going,” Beckwith said. “He’s a fun guy to be around, and he comes to work every day and gives great advice.”Jackson has gotten plenty of advice throughout his years playing football, particularly from his 26-year-old brother, Marlon.Marlon Jackson played football at Grambling State and Louisiana-Lafayette. He said he and his brother have a close relationship.”He’s my little brother. But at the same time, we see each other on the same level,” Marlon Jackson said. “I give him pointers about a game, and he’s given me pointers. We talk every day, sometimes about football and sometimes about life in general.”Marlon Jackson said he talked to Tyson after LSU’s loss to Florida and told his little brother to “keep his head up””I told him, ‘You wanted to come back and play more college football,'” he said. “Don’t worry about that loss because you’ve got South Carolina next week.'”Before Tyson Jackson graduated from West St. John High School, Marlon Jackson said his younger brother was recruited by numerous schools across the country. He said the two of them made several recruiting visits, including one to Miami.”After that trip, I thought for sure he was going [to Miami],” Marlon Jackson said. “But he also loved LSU. I told him to follow his heart. We all prayed on that, and then he woke up one morning and told me he wanted to go to LSU.”Marlon Jackson said his biggest advice he’s given his brother is to always stay focused on and off the field.”I tell Tyson to try to stay humble and be a man,” he said. “Don’t let outsiders come in there and push you into doing anything crazy off the field. Remember you’re there to get an education.”Detillier also said Tyson Jackson’s leadership will be appealing to NFL teams.”They put a lot more emphasis on character, on guys that are not going to be problems off the field,” Detillier said. “Leadership and showing an example is something every team looks for in a player. You’re looking for that commitment and that passion to be a really good football player, and I see that much more this year with Tyson.”—-Contact Rachel Whittaker at [email protected]