Eric Boggs
Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis has been vocal about his belief in Sonny Styles. From the moment the talented defender arrived in Columbus, Laurinaitis had a vision for him. That vision for Styles has led to Sonny being a starter at linebacker in 2024 to a defensive team leader in 2025.
“I’ve been secretly pounding the table for Sonny Styles to play linebacker really since he got here,” Laurinaitis admitted. “You just saw that frame and knew, just let the kid eat a cheeseburger and he’ll get to the right weight.”
Stiles’ work ethic has been undeniable. The shift to linebacker required adjustments, but his relentless approach made the transition smoother. “From day one when we said we were making the switch, man, he just wanted to work on his feet and work and work and work,” Laurinaitis said. “He’s the leader of the entire team.”
The linebacker position at Ohio State has long been synonymous with leadership, and Styles is embracing that responsibility. Laurinaitis highlighted how past captains have led in their own way, from Tommy Eichenberg to Cody Simon. “Everyone leads in their own way. Cody didn’t lead like Tommy, and Sonny won’t lead like either of them. You have to be authentic,” he explained. “If you’re getting recruited here as a linebacker, you better be the captain of your team.”
With Matt Patricia joining the staff, there have been adjustments to the defensive approach, but the foundation remains strong. Laurinaitis praised Patricia’s ability to assess personnel and build a scheme that plays to their strengths. “Whenever you bring somebody from the outside in, there’s just an awesome collaboration of ideas,” he noted. “We had a system in place when he got here—things we did really well, things he really likes—so it’s about adding to that and making adjustments where necessary.”
One of the rising stars in the room is Arvell Reese, a player with exceptional talent and versatility. Laurinaitis lauded Reese’s ability to be honest and direct in his learning process, which has helped his development. “What I appreciate about Arvell is that he has this inability to be anything but honest. If he messes up, he’ll just tell you, ‘I didn’t even see that,’ and that’s refreshing as a coach.”
Freshmen Riley Pettijohn, TJ Alford, and Payton Pierce are also making early impressions. “You get these lumps of clay that you’re excited to try to form,” Laurinaitis said of the young players. “They’re starting to get through that initial stage of just processing everything, and now they’re reacting faster.”
Pierce, in particular, has been a standout. “Tough. Just an absolute natural,” Laurinaitis said. “His feel in the box, his ability to maneuver and understand blocking schemes—it’s just a throwback, man. I expect him to have a lot of playing time.”
As the Buckeyes continue spring practice, Laurinaitis is encouraged by the depth and development in his linebacker room. With leaders like Stiles setting the tone, and young talent emerging, Ohio State looks poised to maintain its reputation as one of the nation’s top defensive units.
