Now, in at least one area, he has surpassed them.
Laurinaitis became a three-time All-American, and Heisman Trophy-winning Oklahoma sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford, Texas senior defensive end Brian Orakpo and Texas Tech sophomore receiver Michael Crabtree joined him on the first team Tuesday.
Ohio State has a history of great linebackers from Hawk to Spielman and Tom Cousineau to Randy Gradishar. Hawk and Spielman were both two-time AP All-Americans.
“When people throw my name in that group of players, I just laugh,” Laurinaitis said. “It’s extremely complimentary to be thought of in the same category.”
Among the other players to make the AP first team three times were San Diego State running back Marshall Faulk (1991-93), Pittsburgh offensive lineman Bill Fralic (1982-84), Georgia running back Herschel Walker (1980-82) and Pittsburgh defensive end Hugh Green (1978-80).
Alabama put more players on the 2008 AP first team than any school, about 1,000 pounds of linemen. Offensive tackle Andre Smith, listed at 330 pounds, was an unanimous first-team choice and was joined by center Antoine Caldwell. Crimson Tide nose guard Terrence Cody, listed at 365 pounds, anchored the top-ranked defense in the Southeastern Conference.
Bradford beat out Texas junior quarterback Colt McCoy and Florida’s Tim Tebow in All-America voting that broke the same way as the Heisman balloting. McCoy, the Heisman runner-up, was the second-team quarterback. Tebow made the third team a year after winning the Heisman and being a first-team AP All-American.
Laurinaitis and Crabtree were among five players to repeat as first-teamers. Oklahoma guard Duke Robinson, Cincinnati punter Kevin Huber and Missouri receiver/kick returner Jeremy Maclin, who made it as an all-purpose player, were the others.
Two Big Ten running backs completed the All-America backfield. Iowa’s Shonn Greene ranks second in the country in rushing (144 yards per game) and has scored 17 touchdowns. Michigan State’s Javon Ringer is third in rushing (132 ypg) and has scored 21 touchdowns.
Oklahoma State sophomore Dez Bryant, who has 20 TDs, was the other receiver.
Rounding out the offensive line were Mississippi tackle Michael Oher and Louisiana State guard Herman Johnson.
Chase Coffman, who led all tight ends with 83 catches, gave Missouri’s high-scoring offense two All-Americans.
Utah’s Louie Sakoda was the kicker. He booted 21 field goals in 23 attempts and scored 115 points for the undefeated Utes.
The defense featured Ohio State cornerback Malcolm Jenkins, and two players from Southern California’s top-ranked unit: linebacker Rey Maualuga and safety Taylor Mays. Florida’s Brandon Spikes was the other linebacker.
Up front, Lombardi Award winner Orakpo and Aaron Maybin of Penn State were the defensive ends, and Cody and Mississippi’s Peria Jerry were the tackles. Wake Forest cornerback Alphonso Smith and Tennessee safety Eric Berry completed the secondary.
Three other players from Texas schools joined McCoy on the second team: Rice receiver Jarrett Dillard, Texas Tech offensive lineman Brandon Carter and Texas Christian defensive end Jerry Hughes. Texas receiver and Temple native Jordan Shipley earned a spot on the third team, as did Texas Tech offensive lineman Louis Vasquez.
Laurinaitis wanted to make the travel squad as a freshman, start as a sophomore, receive some type of all-Big Ten recognition as a junior and be an All-American and Butkus Award candidate as a senior.
By the time his sophomore season was complete, he had accomplished all his goals.
He leads the Buckeyes with 115 tackles and five interceptions and won the Nagurski Award as national defensive player of the year.
In 2007, the 6-3, 240-pound Laurinaitis won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker and this season he capped his stellar three-year run with the Lott Trophy for top defensive player.
