LB James Laurinaitis (St. Louis Rams)

[Dryden]

Originally Posted by crazybuckfan40

I think after that Forced fumble his confidenced just sored through the roof. You could just see him filling the holes harder.

But there are still times when he was just a step slow. On the off tackle play, mainly early when he was having trouble getting aroudn the cut block.

Once again just nitpicking, b/c he showed that he is the leader of this defense manning the middle.

Seeing as the Texas game was his third career start, and fourth game overall, and he's a true Soph, I'm going to cut Laurinaitis a little slack. At least he was in the picture on my TV, and not laying on his back 10-yards away from the play in the middle of the field.

Thank goodness James boarded the flight to Austin, because outside of him, we've got some problems at LB. Outside of the INT by Grant in the NIU game, I have seen little from anyone else. I've seen Freeman's jersey on occassion as he's getting carried out of the play, but that's about it.

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by Dryden

Seeing as the Texas game was his third career start, and fourth game overall, and he's a true Soph, I'm going to cut Laurinaitis a little slack. At least he was in the picture on my TV, and not laying on his back 10-yards away from the play in the middle of the field.

Thank goodness James boarded the flight to Austin, because outside of him, we've got some problems at LB. Outside of the INT by Grant in the NIU game, I have seen little from anyone else. I've seen Freeman's jersey on occassion as he's getting carried out of the play, but that's about it.

I agree.

I think the major problem has been their ability to not get around the cut blocks. They are getting knocked off their feet and a half a step slow to get to the outside. Inside the tackles JL is fine, but it is the offtackle and outside.

[osugrad21]

Originally Posted by crazybuckfan40

Inside the tackles JL is fine, but it is the offtackle and outside.

...but that is not his play. Anything the mike gives out there is simply gravy.

[Dryden]

EDSBS had a pretty good write-up regarding the game. My favorite was a comment in the blog from an Auburn alum:

I just looked up the profile of James Laurinaitis, no face paint, spikeless shoulder pads, sensible haircut. Unless he puts Anthony Morelli on his shoulders and lets a DB closeline him, I'll be a little disappointed.

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by osugrad21

...but that is not his play. Anything the mike gives out there is simply gravy.

I agree, but there are times when the Sam/Will will force the play back in and he is not there, or got cut.

The thing that kills me and I think we have been spoiled lately with Salley, Doss, Whitner is the safeties use to make those tackles and now they are not.

[osugrad21]

Originally Posted by crazybuckfan40

I agree, but there are times when the Sam/Will will force the play back in and he is not there, or got cut.

Sorry man, I'll just have to disagree...even against NIU I said James was hitting his fits all day. I haven't seen this issue at all with him.

[crazybuckfan40]

Originally Posted by osugrad21

Sorry man, I'll just have to disagree...even against NIU I said James was hitting his fits all day. I haven't seen this issue at all with him.

I had no problem with his play against NIU and not a whole lot this week.

He just has trouble with the cut block.

[osugrad21]

Originally Posted by crazybuckfan40

I had no problem with his play against NIU and not a whole lot this week.

He just has trouble with the cut block.

Break out the shiver ball...push down, kick out.

[calibuck]

Great continuation to his career. As I recall (too much gray hair), wasn't he a 'throw in' with the tag - "too small for DI"? Well, if that 's the case, all recruits might take note of the 'coaching up' of this kid, and note Troy Smith's increased effectiveness, and realize that the Buckeye staff does in deed make better players out of those that sign on.......

Great game, and another chapter to the annals of OSU historical wins.....

Go Bucks! Take 'em one at a time.......

[DaddyBigBucks]

CFN has this to say:

...
2. Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis ? Players like Laurinaitis are why the Buckeye staff wasn?t concerned about replacing nine starters this year. He had 13 tackles, two forced fumbles and a pick in an effort that should get him added to the Butkus Award watch list.
...

LINKAGE

[spielman voice]NICE[/spielman voice]

[Saw31]

Originally Posted by DaddyBigBucks

CFN has this to say:

...
2. Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis ? Players like Laurinaitis are why the Buckeye staff wasn?t concerned about replacing nine starters this year. He had 13 tackles, two forced fumbles and a pick in an effort that should get him added to the Butkus Award watch list.
...

LINKAGE

[spielman voice]NICE[/spielman voice]

Wow...Now that's some high praise...Congrats James!!

[Dryden]

Question is ... who is the clearcut favorite for the Butkus? Poz was non-existant again Notre Dame, and Buster Davis at FSU doesn't stand a shot with the Noles playing well enough to finish up 8-4. Laurinaitis came up big on the biggest stage, so he certainly deserves the mention.

[akronbuck]

Originally Posted by Dryden

Question is ... who is the clearcut favorite for the Butkus? Poz was non-existant again Notre Dame, and Buster Davis at FSU doesn't stand a shot with the Noles playing well enough to finish up 8-4. Laurinaitis came up big on the biggest stage, so he certainly deserves the mention.

my opinion
I would have to say buster davis by far. He won the game against Troy and was dominate against miami .He reminds me of a mike singletary type

Laurinaitis is falling in the same mold of Hawk/Carpenter did there sophomore years. I wonder if buckeye fans are still ???? the staff for his move to MLB.

[jwinslow]

OSU Picture Archive

[LordJeffBuck]

Let's not forget that last Saturday was Laurinaitis' fourth game as a Buckeye, and that three of those games were against "top 5" programs Michigan, Notre Dame, and Texas. My prediction: by the end of the season, JL will be better than Schlegel (and Anthony was a pretty good MLB). JL is more athletic than Schlegel, and he is a bright kid who knows the schemes and will quickly learn from his (few) mistakes.