Ohio State Football: All Time Greats, The Post Woody Era.

After A.J. Hawk finished his terrific career for the Buckeyes, he mentioned that a certain freshman was going to be a great linebacker at Ohio State. Throwing the “great” tag on a player who had only started one game for the Buckeyes? And that was only because of an injury to Bobby Carpenter. But it was a prophetic statement, the young player was James Laurinaitis.

In Laurinaitis’ sophomore season, the middle linebacker made 115 tackles with 8 ½  of them for loss. He also had 4 sacks 5 interceptions, proving he just as effective in pass defense as in stopping the run. For his efforts he was voted first team All-American and won the Nagurski Award as the nation’s best defensive player.

In his junior year Laurinaitis was equally impressive. Another 121 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 more interceptions earned him first team All-American for the second time. He also won the Dick Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker.

Laurinaitis had a career high 130 tackles in his senior year to go along with 4 sacks and two more interceptions. He won the Lott Trophy which recognizes a player for his achievements on and off the field. And Laurinaitis also became the first Ohio State linebacker to be named first team All-American three times.

Before being picked by the St. Louis Rams in the second round in the NFL draft, James Laurinaitis played on four Big Ten championship teams and in two BCS title games for the Buckeyes. In addition to his other awards Laurinaitis was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice.

Next: All Time Buckeye Greats: Through The Woody Hayes Era

And James Laurinaitis proved A.J. Hawk was right when he said a young freshman was going to be a great player for the Buckeyes.