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Five most underrated recruits in Ohio State Football history

By Ryan Stano

Sep 20, 2008; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis (33) raises his arms to get the crowd into the game against the Troy Trojans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2008; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis (33) raises his arms to get the crowd into the game against the Troy Trojans at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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James Laurinaitis is one of the greatest linebackers in Ohio State Football history. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
James Laurinaitis is one of the greatest linebackers in Ohio State Football history. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

1. James Laurinaitis

No Ohio State football player outplayed his recruiting ranking more than James Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis was a three-star recruit out of the state of Minnesota when he was coming out of high school. Yet, he’s one of the greatest Buckeyes in history.

Lauriniaitis clearly should have been ranked higher. By the time he was done at Ohio State, he had been named a consensus All-American in three straight years. He won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2006, the Butkus Award in 2007, the Lott Trophy in 2008, and the Jack Lambert Trophy in both 2007 and 2008.

He was one of the most decorated players that Jim Tressel ever brought into Columbus. Out of all the recruits that Ohio State has brought in, none proved doubters wrong more than Laurinaitis. He’s a finalist for the College Football Hall of Fame for a reason.

After he played at an elite level for the Buckeyes, he was a second-round pick by the Rams. He ended up playing for 8 years in the NFL for two different teams. He’s obviously back in Columbus coaching with the Buckeyes. Laurinaitis will be a coach on the rise soon.

dark. Next. Looking at the Big Ten recruiting rankings

That’s it! Those are the five most underrated recruits in Ohio State football history. Do you think I missed anyone?

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