James Laurinaitis came to Ohio State from Minnesota known as the son of the Animal, a professional wrestling star that was half of a powerful tag team along with the Legion of Doom.
He left Columbus a three-time consensus All-American, four-time All-Big Ten performer at linebacker and a perfect 4-0 against rival Michigan from 2005-08. The Lil' Animal became synonymous with leadership, consistency and all that was good under coach Jim Tressel. Laurinaitis finished his Ohio State career with 375 total tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks and 14 interceptions.
Laurinaitis was selected by the St.