Trotwood-Madison vs. Winton Woods
2009-10 UD men's basketball
Pyramid Hill lights up
Laurinaitis 1st junior OSU captain since '00
Linebacker joins seniors Barton, Johnson as those voted in by ballot of players and coaches.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
COLUMBUS — The Ohio State football team, which has only a handful of seniors, has dipped into the ranks of the junior class for a captain for the first time in seven years.
All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis was chosen Friday in a vote of the players and coaches. Senior tackle Kirk Barton and senior fullback Dionte Johnson also were named, while a fourth captain will be selected before each game from the defense.
Extras
Laurinaitis, of Hamel, Minn., saw some action as a true freshman in 2005 and led the team in tackles and interceptions last season. He's the first scholarship player to come to OSU from Minnesota since Sid Gillman in 1930.
Quarterback Steve Bellasari was a captain as a junior and senior in 2000 and '01.
"Being voted as team captain is a great honor," Laurinaitis said. "I will do everything I can to represent this team and this university the very best I can."
Barton was a second-team All-Big Ten selection last season. Johnson, the son of former OSU great Pepper Johnson, appeared in all 13 games, mostly on special teams.
"We have worked hard and are ready for a great season," Barton said, "and it will be an honor bigger than I can say to serve as a team leader."
