Ohio State is bringing back a legend, James Laurinaitis, back to Columbus

James Laurinaitis was the real deal for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2005-2008. He's one of the best players in school history, and now the three-time All-American is heading back to Columbus to impart his wisdom to current players.

Ohio State has announced via its website that Laurinaitis is coming back to his alma mater as a graduate assistant coach who will work with the linebackers.

“I am thrilled for our program and especially for our current and future Buckeyes who will benefit so much from having James on staff,” head coach Ryan Day said. “James is a terrific young man with wisdom as a Buckeye and experience as an eight-year NFL veteran. He is going to be a very important part of our program going forward.”

Laurinaitis, 36, is one of just eight players in OSU history to be a three-time All-American. He won the Bronko Nagurski Award in 2006, which is given to the nation's best defensive player. A season later, he won the Butkus Award, which goes to the top linebacker in college football.

Laurinaitis was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the 35th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. He is still the franchise's all-time leading tackler with 655.