DDN
Laurinaitis returning for senior season
OSU's All-American linebacker shores up Buckeyes' defense, which was one of best in 2007.
By
Kyle Nagel
Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Unlike the talented offense of 2006, the stout Ohio State football defense of 2007 will stay mostly intact.
Linebacker James Laurinaitis, a two-time All-American, announced Monday that he will remain at
OSU for his senior season, meaning the Buckeyes' defense that was considered by many the country's best until the BCS Championship Game loss against LSU, will retain nine starters. Linebacker Larry Grant completed his eligibility and defensive end Vernon Gholston announced he will make himself eligible for the NFL draft.
"There are a lot of things that money can't buy, and some of those things are the experiences of a senior season," Laurinaitis said in a statement released by the school.
Laurinaitis, rated as the top linebacker in this year's draft by nfldraftscout.com if he had declared, could have potentially earned $10 to $17 million during a five-year contract, based on recent deals.
Cont...