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Darkhouse Heisman candidate: James Laurinaitis
Why not? People are already talking about it, and he’s making the Top 10 of preseason Heisman lists:
7. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, LB, Sr. 2007 Stats: 121 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 2 interceptions. Heisman-o-meter: Will he win it? Considering only one primarily defensive player (Michigan’s Charles Woodson) has earned the Heisman, it’s a safe bet that he won’t, but that’s no reason to leave the Butkus winner off the list. This linebacking animal has a knack for always being around the football, and he’s the best player on what should be the nation’s best defense on a team that should again be in the hunt for the BCS title. Another defensive player to consider is USC linebacker Rey Maualuga.
Not that this comes into consideration, but isn’t Laurinaitis exactly the type of player who could win public favor? Stayed for senior season. Excellent interview. For those who like defense, there isn’t anyone better in the country.
Laurinaitis has already been forecast as a potential No. 1 overall pick in next spring’s NFL draft.
Like any great player, he’s getting his share of devotion websites, and a popular aspect of them is making his last name sound like a disease:
I’ll describe the more pleasant and quirky side of having “Laurinaitis”. Generally, you have a cheering disposition. You have a frequent tendency to start “O-H-I-O” cheers. Each fall, your Saturdays are spent practicing your faith along with the rest of Buckeye Nation. You also display some undeniably eccentric behavior, such as:
* Chewing all of your food 33 times before swallowing instead of 32.
* If you live in Columbus, you go out of your way so you can drive on Route 33 every day.
* You start and circulate a petition to Baskin Robbins demanding they add two more original flavors so there are 33 total. From there you demand they rebrand their company and promotional materials.
* Your favorite restaurant is Boston’s 33 Restaurant & Lounge.
It happens and it cannot be explained. Just accept it and know that you are not alone.
One fan, apparently from Dayton, started a website just to sell “I’ve got Laurinaitis” T-shirts. But, Ohio State shut that fan down with a cease and desist order.
Expect many more such products as Laurinaitis begins one of the most anticipated senior seasons in recent Ohio State history.
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