LB James Laurinaitis (St. Louis Rams)

[Buckskin86]

JL had 22 reps on the bench press while his main ILB competition (Rey Rey) had 23 reps...

the rest of the linebackers...

LINEBACKERSName Reps
Orakpo, Brian 31
Cushing, Brian 30
Freeman, Marcus 30
Maiava, Kaluka 30
Felder, Anthony 28
McKillop, Scott 27
McKenzie, Tyrone 27
Brinkley, Jasper 26
Curry, Aaron 25
Casillas, Jonathan 24
Robinson, Lee 24

NFL Events: Combine Top Performers

[Buckskin86]

video of JL doing his 22 reps...

NFL Video Galleries

[OregonBuckeye]

Wow, I can't believe Rey got credited with 23 reps. He never came close to completing a full rep. If he uses JL's technique, he probably only gets 15-17. Same with Cushing. USC guys trying to cheat the system.

[buchtelgrad04]

Originally Posted by OregonBuckeye

Wow, I can't believe Rey got credited with 23 reps. He never came close to completing a full rep. If he uses JL's technique, he probably only gets 15-17. Same with Cushing. USC guys trying to cheat the system.

You're not surprised are you?

[SEREbuckeye]

Originally Posted by OregonBuckeye

Wow, I can't believe Rey got credited with 23 reps. He never came close to completing a full rep. If he uses JL's technique, he probably only gets 15-17. Same with Cushing. USC guys trying to cheat the system.

Agree completely! If they are going to be so [censored] slow to put the ruler down and measure Beanies jump, than they also need to put the hammer down on the lifting as well! Complete BS.

I remember in Boot Camp, in our final week we were tested on pushups. We had to complete a min of 52 in one minute. ALL the way down, ALL the way up, and if you failed, then you would be spending another 2 weeks in Boot. Same logic should be applied here - you fail to complete the rep properly, it doesnt count!

Anyways, back to JL. This kid reminds be of a Hawk/Carpenter combo. Heading into the 06 draft, a lot of people were barking that "Hawk had the natural Linebacker/Football instincts," yet "Carpenter was much more muscular and powerful, that Carp played nastier." Well, JL certainly has the body and also plays with a HUGE edge. He is the perfect Linebacker, both mentally and physically.

[Buckskin86]

Posted: Monday February 23, 2009
Peter King > MONDAY MORNING QB

My favorite story involved a defensive coach for one team asking Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis why they should pick him. "Tell me something,'' the coach said. "When is the last time a linebacker from Ohio State came to the NFL and was worth a s---?'' That shook the Buckeye out of whatever confident zone he might have entered the room in.

Come to think of it, he makes a good point. A.J. Hawk has been OK, but nothing spectacular, and he followed the likes of Bobby Carpenter and Andy Katzenmoyer.

Ray Lewis?a Cowboy? Matt Cassel a Chief? Free agency thoughts - Peter King - SI.com

[southcampus]

Come to think of it, WTF DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH JAMES!?

Seriously, did guys as Joe Flaco when the last time Delaware State produced anybody worth a [censored]t? I thought they were picking players here, not products of a certain school.

[leroyjenkins]

Originally Posted by southcampus

Come to think of it, WTF DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH JAMES!?

Seriously, did guys as Joe Flaco when the last time Delaware State produced anybody worth a [censored]t? I thought they were picking players here, not products of a certain school.

Im sure they were just trying to rattle him a little bit!

[sepia5]

Originally Posted by Buckskin86

Posted: Monday February 23, 2009
Peter King > MONDAY MORNING QB





Ray Lewis?a Cowboy? Matt Cassel a Chief? Free agency thoughts - Peter King - SI.com

Peter King might want to consider some Buckeye backers that have been relative bargains or at least solid picks given where they were taken in the draft, like Matt Wilhelm and Na'il Diggs. It's a little early to call Hawk a complete disappointment, but he admittedly hasn't lived up to the #5 billing.

[Poe McKnoe]

Originally Posted by OregonBuckeye

Wow, I can't believe Rey got credited with 23 reps. He never came close to completing a full rep. If he uses JL's technique, he probably only gets 15-17. Same with Cushing. USC guys trying to cheat the system.

JL's neck alone could push out 15!

[MililaniBuckeye]

Originally Posted by southcampus

Seriously, did guys as Joe Flaco when the last time Delaware State produced anybody worth a [censored]t?

Now it's right...

[leroyjenkins]

Originally Posted by southcampus

Seriously, did guys as Joe FlacCo when the last time Delaware State produced anybody worth a [censored]t?

Now it's right....

[SEREbuckeye]

Wow, nothing spectacular in his 40 times today.

1st - 4.81

2nd - 4.80

Note that Freeman ran a 4.67 and a 4.70, also Rey-Rey left after his first run, citing he pulled something.

[3074326]

Hmm, I expected both JL and Freeman to run better times. I'd like to see their 40 times on a different track.

[SEREbuckeye]

Originally Posted by 3074326

Hmm, I expected both JL and Freeman to run better times. I'd like to see their 40 times on a different track.

You will soon, OSU's pro day is March 13th (I believe)



UPDATE: What JL didnt do so hot on (Directional Changes), he certainly made up for in the cone drill where they also must "intercept" the ball and run a 40. He was one of only a few guys to actually complete the interception. JL looks like he's not forcing it, that most of his work is just natural, always a good sign to the coach's that are evaluating.

Still looking hot in his drills are Brian Cushing. I thought this kid was just "okay" but taking off my OSU glasses, if Cushing adds a bit more muscle, he has the talent to be special.

Update: Just completed the "Pass Drop & Hip Rotation" Drill. Like Freeman, his stance started low but he got higher as the drill progressed. Again, he needs some work on easing his direction change at high speed. Like the guys that have come before him on Defense, he had no problems catching the ball and finishing strong. You can see that the Defensive coaches at OSU must put a ton of emphasis on LB's being ball-hawks. JL looks like the kind you dont want to throw a 5 yard dump over the middle, he will either pop you in the mouth or come up and grab that ball for an INT.

Update 2: In a drill of constant 45 degree turns, JL performed great. He kept his eyes on the QB and ball, and stayed low and balanced. He made the INT and finished strong. That is the biggest that J; has going for him, he never quits on a drill or plays. He runs hard until the very last moment. You can see he wants to get better at all times. The commentators lavishly called him a "field technician."

Final Update: The Linebackers wrapped up their drills with the drill exposing the Under/Over Arm rip on 2 bags, finishing with a 90degree cut and a straight line sprint; unfortunately, they didnt cover JL.

Lil Animal had an good day, wouldnt say great. He certainly needs to work on his speed. After watching his drills, I really couldnt see him lining up as an OLB in the NFL. He pass catching and pack peddling were awesome. He seems to really excel at reading the QB. If you compare JL and Freeman on the day, Freeman performed better. JL kept himself in the 1st round though and still warrants himself as the #1 ILB of 09. I can see the Eagles taking him in the 21st pick.