Anyone familiar with James Laurinaitis’ Ohio State career knows he had established himself among the Buckeyes’ all-time greats long before his induction into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday night.
One of only eight three-time All-Americans in Ohio State history, Laurinaitis’ name already stood alongside the likes of Chris Spielman, Randy Gradishar and Tom Cousineau as one of Ohio State’s greatest linebackers ever.
At one time, though, Laurinaitis was just a three-star recruit from Wayzata, Minnesota, who wasn’t sure whether he would ever see the field for the Buckeyes.
With that in mind, Friday night’s recognition was special for the man who held the nickname “Little Animal.