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

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Laurinaitis Promotion Resonates With Key Recruiting Targets​


“That’s big time,” said four-star linebacker Elijah Melendez. “I’m happy for (Laurinaitis).”

The Kissimmee (FL) Osceola star has an early verbal commitment to Miami (FL) but Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes continue to pursue. Laurinaitis stopped by the school in January when he was serving as a temporary on-field assistant. He’ll certainly be back in the spring, and the Buckeyes remain a contender as they trip to flip Melendez.

“I’m just playing my recruitment out,” Melendez added. “I’m gonna go see Ohio State again for sure.”

In perhaps more urgent news, four-star Florida linebacker Tarvos ‘T.J.’ Alford is announcing his college decision at the end of March. The Buckeyes are on the short list and Alford and Laurinaitis have built a close relationship.

“It’s great,” Alford told BuckeyeHuddle.com of the news. “I’m happy for him. I feel like he will take the linebackers to a new level.”

Some clarity on Laurinaitis’ role and future was likely helpful for Ohio State here.

“Definitely,” Alford said, when asked if this news was important to his view of Ohio State as a possible destination for him. “I know if I was to choose Ohio State that I’d want him to be there.”
 
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BuckeyeNation27 said:
The only down side is the lack of a transfer of power plan for Larry Johnson. Not sure how that gets addressed outside of him finally retiring.
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I think maybe since LJ took a two year contract extension they feel that it can be addressed next year. Since Tapp didn't work out for the additional Dline coach it gave them the breathing room to hire JL full time and have time to plan fot Johnson's retirement.
Or I could be completely full of crap. I'm just a message board poster.
 
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Excellent move by the staff, JL has had a great opportunity to learn coaching the position after playing the position under both Freeman at ND and here at OSU before being promoted. Timing is perfect and this unleashes him on the recruiting trail...for those who don't follow recruiting closely, JL is nearing Hartline-level popularity with major LB recruits but couldn't go on the road until now.

We'll see what the results are on the field but I tend to think JL under Knowles is going to excel. Plus you gotta love that JL and Hartline were both Wolverine slayers, nice two have to Buckeyes on the official staff in that regard. They both get what The Game means.
 
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