james laurinaitis

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James Laurinaitis is the returning All-American from Ohio State University who has received the Butkus and Nagurski Awards. He is the most instinctive linebacker in college football today. James is a smart player who studies every aspect of the game for hours before a game. He shows exceptional dedication in the weight room and on the practice field where he has become the team captain of a defense that is considered one of the best. He is determined to make his senior season his best yet.

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James Laurinaitis was born on April 3, 1986 in Hamel, Minnesota. He attended Wayzata High School and in his senior year he led his team to the state championship with one hundred ninety-three tackles, twenty-eight of which were for a loss, and five sacks. Because of his outstanding numbers he was selected as Defensive Mr. Football in Minnesota in 2004. He then signed with the Buckeyes and became the first scholarship football player from Minnesota to go to Ohio State in over seventy years.

As a freshman in college James Laurinaitis was the back up for the strong side linebacker Bobby Carpenter who would later break his ankle. As a result James would get to play in most of the Ohio State-Michigan game and the Fiesta Bowl where they would defeat Notre Dame. As a sophomore James would receive countless awards for being the nation’s best linebacker. He led his team with one hundred fifteen total tackles and five interceptions. In his junior season he again led his team with one hundred twenty-one tackles and was voted first team all-Big Ten.

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James Laurinaitis is my hero because of how dedicated he is to his team. He can be seen in the weight room every day or in the film room preparing for his next game. All his dedication can be seen on the football field since he has been named the team captain at Ohio State and at his old high school.

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James Laurinaitis continues to excel at his middle linebacker position at Ohio State. This senior season he continues to lead his team in tackles. Whichever NFL team Laurinaitis goes to he will be a great addition to their team.