LB James Laurinaitis (St. Louis Rams)

[Bestbuck36]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Chris

I heard this is James last year (if im right let me know if not please correct me).

Personally James is one of my favorite players on the current Buckeye team. If he leaves it will be a sad day for me.

Everything that most have heard prior to Mondays game says he's coming back. Who really knows other than James though.


My opinion is that the zone we play doesnt mesh well with the athletes we have playing. I would much rather us man up with the guys we have on the field and allow James to attack more. I think alot of times his zone reads have him waiting to react which lets the Olineman get out to him and the holes are opening in the middle of our defense. I also would've had Jenkins on Doucet and told him to try and beat him the whole game. The occasional Cover 2 in the secondary or Man-Under would've been nice to see also.

There is a reason that our guys get drafted so high. They are great athletes who show up at the combines. I hope he doesnt get drafted by the Pats so I can actually root for him in the NFL (re: JL).

[Buckeye Chris]

Thats a very good thing to know. I really wish we could get official news.

Over at Bengalszone is where I heard the news, everyone is talking about trying to get him in the draft if he goes.

[JohnLSU]

Originally Posted by SNIPER26

What did everyone think of Laurinaitis' performance last night?

Alright, let me get this straight. In answer to that question, you had some Buckeyes giving positive responses such as:

• I thought James hardly missed a tackle. He was awesome!
• I felt JL played pretty well
• The clash at the goalline was a classic
• JL had a pretty good game ... James did a great job

Then you had other Buckeye people saying negative thing about JL, such as:

• Rather quiet for me ... James had a mediocre game
• JL didn't make a single play that stands out to me from last night.
• JL's game was kinda quiet last night
• I wish he could have been more aggressive
• I didn't see anything outstanding for him

I myself was looking forward to see JL play. It's always fun to watch a great middle LB play. Early in the game, after JL tackled Hester, JL immediately reached down and pulled Hester back up to his feet. That was awesome. I like a guy who knocks you down and grabs your hand and pulls you right back up. That's sportsmanship. That is class.

And I'm shocked that only one Buckeye person here pointed out that classic clash at the goal line between Hester and JL. Hester dove over the top, and JL smacked him in mid-air and completely denied Hester. It was one of the most impressive defensive plays I've ever seen in my life, and I'd imagine most of the national viewers felt the same way.

So what do you rest of you Buckeye people feel about how JL played in the game on the 7th?

[BengalsAndBucks]

Would have been a lot better if he wasn't being doubled teamed by LSU's guards and Ohio State's DTs.

[buckeyeinfla]

18 tackles...13 solo against LSU...pretty good..esp. with the lack of DT play in tha game

[Buckeneye]

JL = solid; he would have more plays to the outside had he not been held on several obvious occasions.

[GrizzlyBuck]

Hopefully Lil-Animal comes back for a shot at USC and another shot at a BCS NC. I also think he could benefit by coming back, but I certainly would not blame him for making a business decision instead of an emotional one.

[twoodbuck97]

It's a brand for a fraternity Omega Psi Phi.

[MrCodeDude]

Jenkins said in his PR that his whole class wanted to all leave together, Lil Animal is in that class.

[Bestbuck36]

Dont tease now.


The depth on that defense if JL returns will be unbelievable! I totally understand it if he goes, he's ready. The guy I'm starting to get worried about though is Boone. C'mon back James. I think next years defense could hold teams to an average of 6 points per game or less. Nasty.

[jazzman]

When leaving the Superdome after we had just got beaten by LSU, I happened to see JL's dad, "The Animal" outside the stadium. He looked a forlorn figure! I was actually sitting there and thinking to myself, what would James and his family be thinking?

My 2 cents worth would be......this was a rebuilding year! We're only gonna be much better next year....I would come back for one last hurrah! In doing so, he has the chance of becoming one of the greatest LBs in Buckeye history.

[RB07OSU]

Originally Posted by buckeyeinfla

18 tackles...13 solo against LSU...pretty good..esp. with the lack of DT play in tha game

Green for you...considering the poor DT play, those are amazing stats. At my NC game party many were dissing JL and I couldn't understand why. JL, Grant, and Gholston were the only ones ready to play the whole game and not just the first drive.

[lvbuckeye]

Originally Posted by daveeb

James seemed out of place on a couple of plays, particularly the touchdown pass to the tight end. He was completely focused on that bunch formation.

He may be there physically, but one more year would prepare him better mentally.

with all due respect, the TE was lined up at left tackle, and they went on a quick count. the entire D was out of position. it was a great play.

edit: and i can't believe some of the crap i'm reading in this thread. the reason the JL was making tackles downfield was our DTs were getting blown off the ball. if our DTs were blowing up the LOS, his tackles would have been that much closer to the LOS...

[-Laurinaitis33-]

Originally Posted by lvbuckeye

with all due respect, the TE was lined up at left tackle, and they went on a quick count. the entire D was out of position. it was a great play.

edit: and i can't believe some of the crap i'm reading in this thread. the reason the JL was making tackles downfield was our DTs were getting blown off the ball. if our DTs were blowing up the LOS, his tackles would have been that much closer to the LOS...

I completely agree with you. Also, on that play, Coleman was playng deep middle, Laurinaitis was playing just middle zone and maybe was suppose to be on the tight end, no one is for sure because the tight end was not accounted for on the play. But, on LSU's part that was a great call and unexpected, if you are going to blame Laurinaitis you have to give Coleman just as much blame on the play. Because both of them reacted just as slowly.

[osugrad21]

Dispatch

Laurinaitis, the 2007 Butkus Award winner, is the only junior who has yet to announce his intentions. He might not make up his mind until Tuesday, the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the April draft.
Boone said on Channel 10's Wall to Wall Sports last night that he expects Laurinaitis to return.