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James Laurinaitis will return for senior season
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Tuesday, Jan 15, 2008
''Little Animal'' could have become Ohio State's 67th first-round draft pick.
Instead, he'll smack down Big Ten foes for another season.
OSU linebacker James Laurinaitis bypassed millions Monday, deciding it meant more to him to play one more year with his junior classmates, including four who already had spurned the NFL. The two-time All-American followed the route of his predecessor, A.J. Hawk, and announced he was returning for his senior season.
''I know I can still improve as a player, and I know there is still much more for me and for the Buckeyes to accomplish,'' Laurinaitis said in a written statement. ''My love for this university, my love for the people of the state of Ohio and my love for teammates and friends is so great that I want to stay a Buckeye for another season. You only get to do this once, so I want to take full advantage.
'''There are a lot of things that money can't buy, and some of those things are the experiences of a senior season. Going through those things with my teammates next year is what I look forward to the most.''
Today is the deadline to declare for the April 26-27 draft, although players have until Friday to withdraw.
A native of Hamel, Minn., Laurinaitis is the son of professional wrestler Joe ''Road Warrior Animal'' Laurinaitis.
''I received a lot of great advice from those close to me: my parents, close friends, former players, and through prayer,'' Laurinaitis said. ''I knew the right decision for me was to follow my heart and figure out what's important to me right now. That's to remain at Ohio State, have a great senior season, and graduate with my degree in communications next year.''
Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. projected Laurinaitis as a top 15 selection. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., however, wasn't sure whether Laurinaitis was even the best inside linebacker in college football, saying on an ESPN.com chat last week that Laurinaitis' ranking was ''neck-and-neck'' with USC's Rey Maualuga, also mulling his decision to turn pro.
As Ohio State tries to make its third consecutive appearance in the BCS Championship Game Jan. 8, 2009, in Miami and hopes to capture its first title since 2002, it will be bolstered by the return of five of six junior starters. Laurinaitis, cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (another projected first-rounder), wide receiver Brian Robiskie, offensive tackle Alex Boone and linebacker Marcus Freeman elected to stay. Defensive end Vernon Gholston chose to turn pro.
The winner of the 2007 Butkus and 2006 Nagurski awards, Laurinaitis led the Buckeyes last season with 121 tackles, including a BCS championship-record 18 against LSU.
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
''Little Animal'' could have become Ohio State's 67th first-round draft pick.
Get the full article here.
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