His father, John, was the "Animal." His uncle Marcus, the "Terminator."
While both John and Marcus, former professional wrestlers, thrilled millions in the WWF ring, their monikers might be better suited to the youngest man of the Laurinaitis clan, Ohio State middle linebacker James.
The 6-foot-4, 240-lbs. two-time captain plays like his father's namesake, Penn State wide receiver Deon Butler said, because of his combination of size and speed.
"I don't think there's a better linebacker in the country than Laurinaitis, who does pass coverage," Butler said. "Sometimes I think he's a safety. He has more interceptions than the corners."
Though he doesn't hold the lead in picks, Laurinaitis does lead the Buckeyes with 78 tackles, including three for loss and 2.5 sacks, to go along with an interception, was a 2007 first-team All-American.
He also added Big Ten defensive player of the year, Butkus Award for the country's most out-
standing linebacker and the 2006 Nagurski Award for the nation's best defensive player, to his mantle.
With so much hype and recognition, many pro scouts projected Laurinaitis as a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft. But after discussing the situation with his parents and coaches, Laurinaitis decided to stay for his final year in Columbus, Ohio.
Considering the Buckeyes had lost back-to-back national championship games, it would be reasonable to assume those losses had paid a part in his decision, the common thinking being he wanted to finally win a BCS title. But Laurinaitis said those losses to Florida and LSU never crossed his mine.
"That was one of the least influential factors," Laurinaitis said. "For me it was education and my relationship with the guys that came in with me and battled with me for four years. The reason I came back, it wasn't to win this or that, it was just to be an Ohio State Buckeye and have a chance to be in college another year."
Laurinaitis is able to cover so much ground that the Buckeye coaching staff likes to drop in into coverage rather than blitz on passing downs. He has an uncanny ability to make plays on the ball and Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark said Laurinaitis has the hands of a corner.
Buckeye coach Jim Tressel said Laurinaitis is, without question, the leader of Ohio State's defense. Tressel said Laurinaitis not only makes big plays, but possesses the skills of a solid linebacker.
Tressel said Laurinaitis can do everything asked of him, from blitzing and stopping the run to
covering tight ends and slot receivers.
Because of Laurinaitis' coverage skills, Clark said the Lions will have to try to keep him off balance, and when Penn State does run, the
line will have to key on No. 33 in scarlet.
"He knows how to get off the blocks very well. He always seems to be around the ball," Clark said. "He's good in pass coverage as well. We may have to mix in some play action. We're really going to have to be real, real sound on blocks, because if you're lackadaisical blocking him, he'll slide right off of it and make a big play."
Even though the Buckeyes were blown out at USC earlier this season and it appeared as though their national title hopes had vanished, Laurinaitis said he has never regretted his decision to return to school.
And now, with the No. 3 Nittany Lions coming to town for a primetime matchup, the Buckeyes are once again being whispered as part of the BCS race. And for the oft-modest speaking Laurinaitis, it's an opportunity for another big game on the national stage, or is it in the ring?
"It's obviously fun playing in big games," Laurinaitis said. "It's all about the here and now, we really don't think about [the USC loss]. A big game like this in the Big Ten is something really exciting."
