Ten Paces with St. Louis Rams' LB James Laurinaitis

As we all prepare for the upcoming season, the St. Louis Rams have started to fill the holes necessary to make themselves once again a dominant force in the NFL. With a defensive minded head coach, all signs point to optimism and determination as Rams Mini-Camp gets underway.

So as today's first session wraps up, we take a closer look at the Road Warrior from Ohio State. So allow me to introduce my new series, "Ten Paces" where I will look to go through a series of players to hopefully get their thoughts on life after college.

Today, we sit down and take "Ten Paces" with former Buckeyes linebacker James Laurinaitis, the second round draft pick for the St. Louis Rams.

Question One: While at Ohio State, you were known as arguably the biggest threat on the Buckeyes defense. What are your thoughts on defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo choosing you to lead the charge for his Rams Defense?

Question Two: Your father, Joe, is a future pro wrestling Hall of Famer. Now you join the son of another Hall of Famer on defense. Along with Chris Long, what is your main focus heading into training camp?

Question Three: The Rams released Pisa Tinoisamoa, and most fans believe it was to make room for you to lead the new generation of the Rams defense. What are your thoughts on having this type of pressure right off the bat?

Question Four: Alongside Will Witherspoon, the NFL experts say that middle linebacker was the position that was in the most need of help. Now with Witherspoon moving to the weak side, and Chris Draft moving to a more utility position, how soon do you see yourself making an impact with the team?

Question Five: In the history of dominant linebackers of the past two decades, one name comes into conversation every single time: the late Derrick Thomas. Some feel that you're the possible heir to his crown. Are people overstepping when comparing you to Thomas? Or is it just a matter of time?

Question Six: Not since London Fletcher donned the blue and gold has there been this much hype at the linebacker position. When the season starts, how do you intend to help motivate a team of veterans and guys looking to also make an impact on this team?

Question Seven: You were picked in the second round of the draft. You were passed over by every team in the first round. Being a second-round draft pick, are you demoralized or motivated by that thought?

Question Eight: The Rams were ranked close to last in almost every category on defense. After some phenomenal years at Ohio State, what can you do on your own to bring the Rams back to their defensive dominance?

Question Nine: The Rams team has been in a state of disarray since the final nails were driven in the coffin of the Greatest Show on Turf. Now with some pretty good moves made during the draft, people are eyeing more than just a winning season for the Rams. How much of that do you think was because of you?

Question 10: In a league that has smashmouth LB's like Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis, do you think you will be the newest addition of the infamous Under Armour Club (i.e. "We Must Protect This House!")?

Hopefully this summer, we will be able to get the answers from the newest member of the Legion of Doom. And maybe, just maybe, we'll be able to sit down with Proud Papa Laurinaitis as well.