James Laurinaitis is one of the most decorated linebackers ever to play Ohio State football. Over his four year college career, the two-time team captain was a three-time consensus All-American who led the Buckeyes to an unbeaten record vs. Michigan (4-0), four Big Ten championship teams and two National Championship appearances.
He was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year twice, which makes him one of only three players in the history of the conference to achieve that honor. As a sophomore, James won the Bronko Nagurski Award, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding defensive player.
He won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker as a junior.