When Ohio State takes a kid from Minnesota the Buckeyes sure know what they’re doing. Until two years ago no Minnesotan had played for the Bucks on scholarlship since the early 1930s when Sid Gillman, from Minneapolis North High School, was starring in Columbus. An all-American end, Gillman became a pro football coaching legend but he wasn’t the football player that Wayzata High School’s James Laurinaitis is (all-American last season as a sophomore for the Buckeyes).
Laurinaitis comes home for tomorrow night’s game with the Gophers carrying a sizeable reputation and the potential to be remembered as one of the Big Ten’s most celebrated players ever. He won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy last season that symbolizes the nation’s best defensive player. As a junior this season he’s obviously a candidate for that award, plus the Bednarik Award (also recognizes the best defensive player) and the Butkus Award given to America’s best linebacker. Laurinaitis could finish a four year career at Ohio State as a three time all-American, and multiple winner of the Nagurski, Bednarik and Butkus awards.
Gopher senior center Tony Brinkhaus recalled earlier this week that Laurinaitis originally said he would attend Minnesota, but changed his mind. Although he hasn’t personally met Laurinaitis, he’s played against the 6-3, 244 linebacker in the Big Ten. “He’s a very strong kid,” Brinkhaus said. “Not only is he strong but he can move and he can deliver a blow. He’s got a reputation for being quite the hitter and he plays with a lot passion.”
Tim Brewster became the Gopher football coach last winter and has been on a crusade since day one to convince Minnesota’s best prep players to play for the U. He was asked for an evaluation of Laurinaitis.
“You know what, to be quite honest with you, I’ve daydreamed about this kid just a little bit,” Brewster said. “Here’s a kid who is a tremendous football player from Wayzata High School right here in town from Minneapolis and he is one of the best football players in America. He certainly is one of the best linebackers in America. I would be lying to you if I didn’t tell you I didn’t daydream about him wearing maroon and gold. …”
Brewster said Laurinaitis is the “complete package” as a linebacker, praising his athleticism, ability to run down ball carriers, intercept passes and more. “The thing I guess I like most about him is he looks like he loves to play,” Brewster said. “He plays the game with tremendous passion, energy, (and) excitement, and the other guys feed off him. …It’s evident when you turn on the (game) tape, Laurinaitis is one hell of a player.”