ATLANTA — Nearly two full years have passed since James Laurinaitis had to break the news to Marcus Freeman, his former Ohio State football teammate and close friend for the past two decades.

Only one, however, leaves the Buckeyes begging for autographs. The player, James Laurinaitis, is a freshman who has seen little playing time at linebacker and on special teams this season.

ATLANTA – They will be opponents on Monday, but for James Laurinaitis and Marcus Freeman, it will be a brief pause in a deep friendship. Their bond formed as Ohio State linebackers two decades ago.