DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — James Laurinaitis is considered one of the best linebackers in the nation.

But when the junior All-American and Bronko Nagurski Award winner looked at his fellow Ohio State linebackers after spring practice Tuesday, he saw bigger, faster and stronger.

"It's humbling," Laurinaitis said, using his hands to illustrate his level of play. "You go from here (shoulder) to up there (over his head). Still, in my mind, I still picture myself down here (at his waist).

"It's because there are guys in our own linebacking corps that are faster than I am, that are more athletic than I am, that are stronger than I am. It keeps you motivated every day when you see them going around."

Pick six

The spring's first depth chart showed senior Larry Grant (strong-side), Laurinaitis (middle) and redshirt junior Marcus Freeman (weak-side) as the starters. But senior Curtis Terry, junior Austin Spitler and sophomore Ross Homan are so close that linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell may play all six.

"I hope we can do it," Fickell said. "I don't know how it's going to be done. But I think in the long run if we can play six guys, that we'll be better for it. We might not have a guy like James last year that has (115) tackles, but by the end of the year, I think we'll be better."

Laurinaitis is convinced of his group's prowess. "I think any of the six of us could start at any program in the country," he said. "None of us are all there yet, but as far as talent-wise, there's not a dropoff from when the 1s go in to the 2s."

Local trio

Like Laurinaitis, Freeman had 15 tackles in the national title game against Florida.

The Wayne graduate knows the linebackers are the most experienced part of the defense.

"I can't say we're the heart and soul of the defense," Freeman said. "But we've got some guys that are coming back."

Bellbrook High grad Spitler is Laurinaitis' backup. "I'm hoping to get in there this year and get in the mix," he said. "It took me awhile to learn the whole scheme of things. It's a complex defense. The game's finally slowing down for me."

Homan, from Coldwater, has grasped the linebacker mentality. "If you can't compete," he said, "then don't play."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-6951 or mgokavi@DaytonDailyNews.com.