Scarlet and Game
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Ohio State Football: Interview with LB James Laurinaitis

By Steven Koesterman

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 03: James Laurinaitis #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets ready on the field during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on November 3, 2007 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 38-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 03: James Laurinaitis #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets ready on the field during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on November 3, 2007 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 38-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State Linebacker, A.J. Hawk, during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes, September 24, 2005, in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes beat the Hawkeyes 31-6. (Photo by Jamie Mullen/Getty Images)
Ohio State Linebacker, A.J. Hawk, during the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes, September 24, 2005, in Columbus, Ohio. The Buckeyes beat the Hawkeyes 31-6. (Photo by Jamie Mullen/Getty Images) /

Scarlet & Game: Was there anyone you tried to model your game after both at Ohio State and in the NFL?

Laurinaitis: “I really looked up to AJ Hawk. I loved the way he played the game and how explosive he was. I tried to copy his work ethic and match his achievements.”

Scarlet & Game: You were teammates with both Marcus Freeman and Brian Hartline. What do you think has made them such great young coaches?

Laurinaitis: “Marcus was always a smart football player so he understands the details of the game well. When he was done playing, he jumped right into coaching and learned from one of the best in Coach Fickell. His attention to detail makes him great, but he’s also young and super relatable. He’s also authentic so he’s easy to trust and will get the best out of you because he’s a competitor. Brian is the same way. He’s so competitive and he has a deep passion to win and be the best at anything he’s doing. Both of those guys will tell you the absolute truth and that truth will make you a better person and better man, so it makes total sense to me that both are fast risers in the coaching profession.

Scarlet & Game: Assuming the college football season is able to begin this season, what are your expectations for the Buckeyes?

Laurinaitis: “I think Ohio State should expect to be playing for the National Title against Clemson this year. Those two teams will be at an advantage having veteran QB’s with there being no spring ball and offseason. The game at Oregon will be tough if there are fans allowed and then at Penn State is the best road environment in the Big Ten. If fans are allowed, those are the two games to circle.”

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