DaytonDailyNews.com

COLUMBUS — Austin Spitler and James Laurinaitis were on the same official recruiting visit to Ohio State. They play the same position, although Laurinaitis is a junior All-American linebacker while Spitler redshirted and stands behind him on the depth chart.

But Spitler, the sophomore from Bellbrook, is making his name in other ways.

The Buckeyes named Spitler the special teams player of the week after he participated on every kicking unit in OSU's win against Wisconsin last Saturday.

Even though OSU's starting linebackers are considered perhaps the country's best, Spitler has racked up 25 tackles, a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss playing behind Laurinaitis, another in a line of decorated OSU defenders.

"I look at it as an advantage for me," Spitler said. "If James wasn't here, who knows how good I would be."

Ohio State has started the same three linebackers in all 10 games this season — Laurinaitis, Larry Grant and Marcus Freeman. Those three have combined for 188 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks.

Behind them is a young group that includes Spitler and freshmen Brian Rolle and Tyler Moeller.

Playing time can be scarce, so the backups find long hours of preparation.

"I was running a little late," Spitler said Monday during OSU's weekly media day, "we were watching film."

This week, Spitler and the defense will see an improving Illinois offense that includes athletic quarterback Juice Williams, bulky running back Rashard Mendenhall and others that help the Illini rank first in the Big Ten and sixth nationally in rushing offense (261.3 yards per game).

For Spitler, though, there will always be more work on special teams.

"Austin was a part of the kickoff coverage, punt (coverage), punt return, kickoff return, just does an excellent job," Tressel said. "He is the middle linebacker in the goal line when we have two middle linebackers in the game ... and really has grown into being a fine, fine football player."