At Ohio State, Sonny Styles transformed from a position-switch player into an elite NFL Draft prospect after a record-setting Combine.

Sonny Styles grabbed the attention of the sports world at the NFL Combine, following a historic performance. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, he exploded through testing with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, a 43.5-inch vertical jump, and an 11-foot-2 broad jump, leaving scouts and analysts buzzing. But according to Ohio State linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, those numbers only tell part of the story.

What makes Styles truly special is the growth Laurinaitis has witnessed firsthand: a player who embraced a position switch, mastered the study habits of elite linebackers, and developed the versatility to dominate in multiple roles. For the next wave of Buckeyes and NFL scouts alike, Styles’ rise offers a blueprint for what happens when talent meets relentless preparation.

From the beginning of Fall Camp in 2023, Sonny Styles has turned heads in Columbus, garnering attention from coaches, teammates, and media members alike.

Sonny Styles has a BRIGHT future in Columbus. Has been everywhere today

— Blake T. Biscardi (@BlakeBiscardi) August 4, 2023

When I sat down with James Laurinaitis, the conversation surrounding Styles wasn’t filled with hype. Rather, Laurinaitis focused on his growth and development over the past two seasons.

You could hear immediately in Laurinaitis’s voice that it wasn’t surface-level praise when he talked about Sonny Styles. It was the perspective of someone who has played the position at Ohio State, understands what it demands mentally and physically, and someone who has watched Styles evolve from a position convert into one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the country.

Laurinaitis reminded me that people forget something important. “Sonny had never played linebacker before,” he said.

Sonny Styles arrived in Columbus by way of Pickerington, Ohio, as a safety with rare size. Due to his physical traits and elite talent, he moved positions from safety to linebacker. The transition was to bring him closer to the line of scrimmage so he could affect the game at the point of attack.

However, the change required rewiring instincts, learning new fits, understanding block destruction, and mastering communication in the middle of the defense. For a young player, that transition can slow development, but it accelerated his ceiling and unlocked his athleticism. 

@blakebiscardi After a head-turning NFL Combine, let’s look back at Sonny Styles talking about the importance of playing fast 💨 #ohiostatebuckeyes #gobucks #ohiostatefootball #CollegeFootball #ohiostate ♬ sonido original – Nightcore Nation

Laurinaitis saw the traits early — length, toughness, and the ability to be interchangeable inside the structure of the defense. But what sold him wasn’t just what showed up on Saturdays. “They love the game. They love the study,” Laurinaitis said. That piece, he believes, separates good players from long-term pros. The willingness to build a routine, having the discipline to prepare, and taking ownership of the position.

As the season wore on, Laurinaitis watched Styles’ growth compound. “I think the last two games [of the regular season] he’s played have been his best,” he said.

Historic NFL Combine for Sonny Styles

At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, Styles entered the NFL Combine carrying intrigue, but left with momentum. He ran a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash and exploded for a 43.5-inch vertical jump — the highest ever recorded by a linebacker at the Combine. He posted an 11-foot-2 broad jump with a 10-yard split coming in at 1.56 seconds. Styles registered a 7.09 in the 3-cone drill and added a 4.26 20-yard shuttle.

The testing resulted in a Relative Athletic Score of 9.99. Numbers alone don’t make a player. But in Styles’ case, they validated what Laurinaitis taught and witnessed for two years. He explained how modern linebackers must run, cover, and close space in a hurry, while handling contact and still moving like defensive backs.

Styles did all of it in Indianapolis after demonstrating high-level play throughout the 2025 season for the Scarlet and Gray. Now, the conversation sees him rocketing up draft boards. What felt like first-round potential three years ago now feels like a sure-fire franchise prospect. 

James Laurinaitis Coaches from a Player’s Perspective

Laurinaitis understands what this position means at Ohio State after playing it at a championship level. He now coaches it with that same standard. When he talks about Sonny Styles being interchangeable, he’s illustrating the trust Styles demonstrated from growth and development over time. 

Styles’s combine numbers may headline draft coverage, but Laurinaitis frames the story differently. He sees a young linebacker who embraced change and built the habits necessary to thrive. Behind those numbers is something Laurinaitis believes matters more: a linebacker who chose to grow into the position rather than rely on traits alone. 

Sonny Styles:

“I was always a Buckeye fan growing up. Watching Zeke, Cardale, Braxton. Those were my superheroes and now I’m in their shoes.

I want to be the correct example for younger kids who watch the Buckeyes now. I’m just taking in every moment. It’s truly a blessing.” pic.twitter.com/kq7nTUC63R

— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) December 29, 2025

For the next generation watching from the linebacker room, Sonny Styles is more than a standout athlete. He’s the blueprint for what happens when elite talent combines with relentless preparation, discipline, and football intelligence. Laurinaitis has seen it all firsthand, and he knows it will carry Styles far beyond Columbus.

At the Combine, the numbers made the headlines. But it’s the habits and the growth under Laurinaitis’ guidance that make Sonny Styles a complete linebacker. The Pickerington product is ready to dominate at the next level and set a standard for every Buckeye who comes after him. For those who have followed his journey in Ohio State’s locker room, it’s clear: Styles has the tools, process, preparation, and mindset to impact from day one in the league.