Kiichiro Sato / AP

Ohio State's James Laurinaitis is considered by many the best linebacker in the country.

Laurinaitis, like Hawk before him, has the awards to prove he’s an elite player. A two-time All-American, he won the Butkus Award (top collegiate linebacker) last year and the Nagurski (top college defender) the year before.

He’s indisputably the leader of Ohio State’s defense. His teammates admire him because he’s more than just a battering ram.

“I just think James’ knowledge of the game is what helps him the most,” Jenkins said. “He’s always watching film, he knows the game a lot. He has a great knack for being around the ball. He makes plays when plays need to be made. That’s what makes him a little unique.”

Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel calls him the best linebacker in the country but seldom trumpets the guy wearing No. 33. There’s no need. Laurinaitis is confident but not cocky. He needs little motivating or coaching. He knows his job and how to go about it. He said he won’t lose any sleep this week worrying about gaps, assignments and USC’s cupboard full of tailbacks.

“You’ve got to believe,” he said. “Whether it’s a big game or not, you have to visualize yourself making plays. You have to visualize yourself doing the right thing. Think about yourself making that tackle. You can’t have doubts. When you have doubts, then maybe you don’t make that play.

“I’ll sleep fine. Maybe if you don’t sleep well it’s because you’re worried you’re not prepared. But when you know you’re prepared and you know you’ve done all you can to watch film and think about what they might try to do, it makes it easier to sleep.”

Later, the reassuring words will drift through his head via those headphones as he readies for another big game:

“I’ve been waiting for this moment, all my life, Oh Lord.”

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