The big game, the big decision

James Laurinaitis was walking through the Houston airport en route to a college football national awards banquet last month when an LSU fan recognized him and started some friendly trash-talking by saying Ohio State didn't deserve to play his team for the national championship.

"We've heard it before," Laurinaitis said later. "It wasn't the first time."

Ohio State's appearance in Monday's BCS national championship game has been the subject of great debate the past month. But there is little doubt the Buckeyes wouldn't be in the title game for the second consecutive season without the contributions of Laurinaitis, a Wayzata graduate who already has cemented his place as one of the school's all-time greats.

A junior middle linebacker, Laurinaitis is a two-time All-America who won the Nagurski Award (nation's best defensive player) last season and the Butkus Award (nation's top linebacker) this season. He was a finalist for four other major individual awards and has earned academic All-America honors.

His trophy case full, the only remaining question is whether Laurinaitis will return for his senior season or enter the NFL draft this spring. Laurinaitis said he refused to let that looming decision become a distraction, either personally or for his team.

"That's a big decision, and it's something you have to talk over with your family after the season," he said. "All I'm focused on is this game and trying to win a national championship."

A number of mock drafts predict Laurinaitis will be a top-10 pick if he comes out. Laurinaitis recently submitted his name to the NFL's advisory committee to evaluate where he might get drafted, which is standard practice for players considering turning pro.

Laurinaitis' parents, Joe and Julie, receive mail from agents almost daily, but they have gone out of their way to avoid the subject with their son.

"We try to not talk about it," Julie said. "It's a lot of pressure on him because he really wants to stay. He really loves his teammates and school. That's hard. I know in his heart he would like to stay."

The financial reward of being a high draft pick is alluring, however, especially considering the potential injury risk if he returns to Ohio State.

"We're realistic just like everybody else," Joe said. "[Some draft experts] have him going anywhere from 2 to 5. I have to advise him to do what's right for him."

Highlight reel full

Laurinaitis' path to this point has been well-documented. The son of a famous professional wrestler, he learned under All-America A.J. Hawk as a freshman, burst onto the national scene with a huge performance against Texas last season and then elevated his game to another level this season.

He led Ohio State in tackles for the second consecutive season, and his seven interceptions, nine sacks and 17 tackles for loss the past two seasons are a testament to his speed, instincts in coverage and play-making ability.

"I watched Laurinaitis' highlights, and no guy should be allowed to have that many highlights," LSU coach Les Miles said. "He is one of the finest players in college football."

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel agreed with that statement, although Buckeyes players and coaches tend to talk about Laurinaitis' leadership and mental approach more than his physical skills.

"He figures out what it is people are trying to do to us and within the confines of his responsibility makes plays," Tressel said.

Said co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell: "He has those things you don't teach, whether he's a great player or not. He has the confidence and the leadership qualities. That's what you're looking for in that guy, somebody that if something goes haywire, he can at least get it settled down and get the right call in there."

Joe Laurinaitis said he initially hoped his son would become a contributor on defense by his junior season, an admission that elicits a laugh now. Laurinaitis has played at such a high level the past two seasons that he belongs in the same conversation as other Buckeyes linebacker greats such as Hawk, Chris Spielman and Andy Katzenmoyer.

Laurinaitis shakes his head in disbelief when his legacy is mentioned. He's never been one to bask in the spotlight, and it's hard for him to fathom being compared to Spielman or Katzenmoyer.

Laurinaitis prefers to be recognized as just one of the guys. As his plane circled above Chicago on a weather delay at the end of his banquet tour, Laurinaitis had one thought racing through his head.

"I wish I was home practicing with my team," he said to himself.

He is a Buckeye for at least one more game. His legacy is secure no matter what happens after that.