DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Street & Smith's Magazine approached James Laurinaitis this summer about posing for a regional cover of its college football edition. Though it was a somewhat cheesy throwback theme, the Ohio State linebacker was happy to oblige.

Having grown up the son of professional wrestler Joe Laurinaitis — the Road Warrior Animal, who got into character with costumes and makeup — the younger Laurinaitis has few inhibitions.

"I just do what I'm told," he said Sunday as the Buckeyes checked in for fall camp. "They told me everyone else in the country is doing it, so I said, 'OK, if they can get (Arkansas running back) Darren McFadden to put on a helmet without a facemask, I guess I can do it, too.' "

The Big Ten preseason defensive player of the year also aims to please on the field. After arriving at OSU from Hamel, Minn., he tried to glean what he could from ex-Buckeye star A.J. Hawk. "He's not a real outspoken guy," Laurinaitis said. "I remember when I first got here, I asked him for some advice on playing college linebacker. He said, 'Tackle the guy with the ball.' "

Laurinaitis did that 115 times in 2006 (no other Buckeye had more than 71 tackles) and earned the Bronko Nagurski award as the nation's top defensive player. He also had a team-high five interceptions.

But while he spearheaded a unit that surrendered a mere 12.8 points per game, Laurinaitis still sees far too many shortcomings in his game.

Asked where he needs to improve, the junior said: "Being more physical, being more tenacious. ... I want the coaches to know that if I'm there, I'll make the play.

"I made some good plays last year. But there were times when I missed a tackle. I'm a perfectionist. I don't want to ever miss a tackle."

Laurinaitis was a virtual unknown last year, and no one anticipated his breakout season — not even him.

"It's crazy how much has changed," he said. "You know deep down you have that ability, but you just wonder if it's going to be able to show.

"There's a lot more expectations now, though, and you have to live up to them."