2009 NFL Draft Prospect James Laurinaitis

Ohio State linebacker James Laurinaitis, who is in contention with USC's Rey Maualuga to be the first linebacker drafted in 2009, was coveted nearly as much for his hockey skills as he was for his football ability coming out of high school. Had he not been so highly-touted for his gridiron success -- as a high school senior, he was selected as Defensive Mr. Football in Minnesota and led Wayzata High School to the state championship game -- he most likely would have been an early-round selection in the NHL Draft.

Laurinaitis has good size at 6-3 and about 240 pounds. He possesses sideline-to-sideline speed with great instincts and always seems to be around the ball. He has tremendous closing speed and is a solid tackler who wraps up very well. He needs to work a little on getting off blocks, however. Take an illustrated tour of James Laurinaitis' college career...

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