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LB Coach James Laurinaitis (2x B1G DPOY, 2006 Nagurski, 2007 Butkus, 2008 Lott, 3x All-American, OSU HOF, National Champion)

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nickofthewoods;678784; said:
http://web1.ncaa.org/d1mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2006&div=4&rpt=IA_playertotaltackles&site=org

No disrespect intended, but these numbers suggest other candidates
may be more deserving. J Leman was pretty impressive against the
Buckeyes. Given the tackling during the Michigan game, I am fearful
that accollades will mask concerns that still need to be addressed.
Click to expand...

If it were all about numbers, Texas Tech and Hawaii QBs would win every Heisman trophy, and xrayrandy would probably sponsor all the awards.
 
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No disrespect intended, but these numbers suggest other candidates
may be more deserving. J Leman was pretty impressive against the
Buckeyes. Given the tackling during the Michigan game, I am fearful
that accollades will mask concerns that still need to be addressed.
Click to expand...
Building off what jlb said:
If it were all about numbers, Texas Tech and Hawaii QBs would win every Heisman trophy
Click to expand...
Total tackles or tackles per game is one of many stats lines to consider when picking the best defensive player, or best player for any position, offensive or defensive for that matter. The fact is that Laurinaitis made plays, he recorded sacks, turnovers, made tackles, and was a huge lift and cornerstone for our pre-season(ly) coined susceptible defense because we had so many holes to fill. Another thing to look at is schedules. Texas Tech/Hawaii quarterbacks don't always play the best defensive teams and Illinois' Lehman certainly got away with that in comparison to Laurinaitis in terms of playing good offensive teams. Laurinaitis was in two 1 vs. 2 matchups (Texas/Michigan), Illinois didn't play either team.

Not to rehash old battles, but this argument couldn't be better examined than with last years' Butkus award. Numbers wise Hawk way out preformed Posluszny:

Hawk (12 games/806 plays)
------------------------------------
121 total tackles (69 solo/52 assisted)
16.5 tackles for a loss for 85 yards
9.5 sacks for 72 yards
1 Int
2 Fumbles Recovered (1 TD)
2 Fumbles Forced

Posluszny (12 games/909 plays)
------------------------------------
116 total tackles (64 solo/52 assisted)
11 tackles for a loss for 38 yards
3 sacks for 21 yards
0 Ints
0 Fumbles Recovered
0 Fumbles Forced

Maybe the voters can some what reconcile for their unavoidable and atrocious mistake of 2005's Butkus, by also awarding Laurinaitis with the Butkus this year.

Regardless, though, congratulations to James!! An exceptional preformance this year by a young linebacker who has matured exceptionally well, and is certainly on his way to etching himself in the halls of the many great buckeye linebackers! I remember many believing he underpreformed as a freshman, and were doubting his future, as he was thrown into big play games (Michigan/Notre Dame) and recorded something like 3 tackles. No matter now as he is the proud winner of the 2006 Bronko Nagurski Trophy! The best defensive player in the country!
 
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Congrats Lil' Animal!!!!


What class this kid has....He didn't even except his award...He left early to catch a flight back to Columbus because he has a final tommorrow!!! And they say OSU kids don't care about school....I love that JT makes these kids go to school!!!!!:osu: :osu:

Good luck on your final James!
 
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