WEST MONROE, LOUISIANA - LSU linebacker Bradie James will return for his senior season instead of opting for the NFL draft. <br>
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``I'm just happy it's over with. I had no idea I was going to have this much support, this much media would be here. But, I know I made the right decision, and I'm just happy,'' James said during a news conference Wednesday in West Monroe, his home town. <br>
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James said he thought hard about his choices after LSU junior linebacker Trev Faulk announced earlier this week he would forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. <br>
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``A lot of things played in my decision. When I saw Trev leaving, I had to really sit down and do a one on one with myself. <br>
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``I thought it'd be best for me and the family that I might have one year to just come back and get the degree and have a better chance of getting drafted a little higher.'' <br>
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``We're really pleased and happy that Bradie's coming back,'' said LSU coach Nick Saban, who attended the news conference. ``He's going to be able to graduate from school. He's certainly a great leader for us.'' <br>
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James was second on the team last season in tackles with 113 and led the team in solo tackles with 78. He had three sacks and was selected All-SEC by the coaches. <br>
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In three years with the Tigers, James has 264 tackles, 23 tackles for losses and 11 sacks. In 2000, James ranked second on the team with 110 tackles and he was named the Most Outstanding Defensive Player at the Peach Bowl after posting six tackles and recovering a pair of fumbles in the 28-14 LSU victory.
