Columbus, OhioFootball at Ohio StateAs he coaches the position now, James Laurinaitis, who was an All-American linebacker for the Buckeyes almost twenty years ago, is making sure that others who have been in his position are recognized.
Linebacker Payton Pierce described a custom Laurinaitis has led within the position group in an interview with reporters last week.
During preseason camp, Laurinaitis selects a different former All-American linebacker every day. In meetings, he displays their picture and tells his new linebackers about legends like Randy Gradishar, Pepper Johnson, and Chris Spielman.
“So many people have come through here,” Pierce remarked. It helps, I believe. A standard exists. Being the top linebacker unit in the nation is the aim if you play linebacker here.
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When Laurinaitis spotted Ike Kelley, a two-time All-American in the 1960s, returning for a winners banquet last year, he said the thought struck him.
He sought to change the fact that many of the current Buckeyes were unaware of Kelley’s legacy or did not acknowledge him.
You think, “There are just a bunch of old dudes here,” while you’re playing. “When you’re young, you don’t really realize it,” Laurinaitis said. As a junior and senior, you begin to develop a sense of appreciation. We learned about this location’s history from Coach (Jim) Tresselalways. Even the in-state males are young, and many of the guys are from out of state.
He went on to say that it’s not that they don’t care. They simply aren’t aware.
The second-year position coach shot that down, but Pierce stated that he expects a picture of Laurinaitis wearing the No. 33 jersey to ultimately appear in the teachings.
He said, “I will definitely skip over myself.” That is absolutely true.
Ryan Shazier was the last linebacker from Ohio State to be selected an All-American in 2013. Laurinaitis was the final unanimous All-American in 2008. He was chosen unanimously in 2007.
Pierce, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles will head a team that hopes to put an end to the drought soon.
