Adam Jardy | Buckeye Xtra Editor’s note: How did Ohio State football become a Buckeye Nation of true believers? In a 14-part series, we explore aspects that shaped OSU’s evolution from Saturday afternoon diversion to near-religious experience. Today: The factory As hard as it may be to imagine now, James Laurinaitis had exactly two choices when it came to playing college football. A lightly recruited linebacker from Minneapolis, the three-star recruit landed offers from Ohio State and Minnesota. The assumption was that he would stay close to home, join close friend Dominique Barber at the next level and try to raise the profile of the Golden Gophers. It took an official visit to firmly change Laurinaitis’ mind, and among the key turning points was his hope of one day playing in the NFL. A shot at the league wasn’t the only factor that led to his picking Ohio State rather than Minnesota in…
Continue Reading: Anatomy of a Powerhouse: Ohio State football keeps churning out NFL players
