James Laurinaitis

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James Laurinaitis (born December 3, 1986) is an American football linebacker for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Laurinaitis, who grew up in Hamel, Minnesota, is currently the starting middle linebacker at Ohio State and is listed at 6'3", 244 lb (1.91 m, 111 kg). Considered one of the top linebackers in college football during the 2006 season, he was awarded the 2006 Nagurski Trophy,[1] named a finalist for the 2006 Butkus Award for top college linebacker,[1] and named a NCAA All American.

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[edit] High school

The son of Joe Laurinaitis, a professional wrestler better known as Road Warrior Animal, and also the nephew of former wrestler and current WWE executive John Laurinaitis, James played both football and hockey at Wayzata High School. James was touted in the NHL as a 2-3 round pick, but teams didn't bother drafting him because of football. While he was successful in hockey, having been named as team captain as a senior, football was clearly his best sport, as evidenced by his selection as Defensive Mr. Football in Minnesota in 2004. That season, he helped lead Wayzata to the state championship game in Class 5A with 193 tackles, including 28 for loss and five sacks. He signed with the Buckeyes, becoming Ohio State's first scholarship football player from Minnesota since legendary NFL coach Sid Gillman in 1930-33.

[edit] Ohio State

As a true freshman in 2005, he played in all 12 games eventually reaching #2 on the depth chart at strong-side linebacker behind (current Dallas Cowboys player) Bobby Carpenter. After Carpenter broke a leg on the first play from scrimmage in their rivalry game against Michigan, Laurinaitis played the rest of that game, and also started in their Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame.

As of the end of the 2006 regular season, Laurinaitis leads the team in tackles (115) and interceptions (5), and also has 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks.[2] And is also engaged to Kelsey Payne.

[edit] Professional Wrestling

A rumor has circulated on the internet that Laurinaitis has been offered a WWE contract to follow in his father's footsteps. No word on whether he has accepted or rejected it, but Road Warrior Animal has indicated he does not wish for his son to be a pro wrestler.[citation needed]

Vince McMahon himself has stated if James wants to get into wrestling, he always has a contract waiting for him.

[edit] External links

[edit] Notes and references

  1. ^ May, Tim (2006-10-19). Laurinaitis named Butkus semifinalist. The Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved on 2006-10-21.
  2. ^ Overall Defensive Statistics. Ohio State Buckeyes Football (2006-11-18). Retrieved on 2007-01-18.
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