Some say that he isn't big enough.

Some say that he is isn't strong enough.

But everyone agrees that he gets the job done. Lausch Career Stats Yr.  Tckls.  Sks-Yds. '89  19  1 for 5 '90  54  6 for 46

Standing at an even six feet and weighing in at just over 200 pounds, Harvard's 118th Captain, senior linebacker John Lausch, is a bit on the small side for his position. But Lausch makes up for his size with a strong will to win.

"[Lausch] is a top leader," defensive coordinator George Clemens says. "He does not have all the great athletic ability, but he is on top of everything. While someone else is thinking about it, he's doing it."

With the graduation of superstar Joe Gordian '90, some might expect to find a gaping hole in the linebacker corps. But Harvard is still strong at this position, thanks largely to the Lausch's presence.

Last season, Gordian caught all the media attention. The superstar defenseman put up phenomenal numbers, including a school record 12 sacks. Everyone, including Lausch, acknowledges the impact Gordian had on the squad.

"Joe made a lot of big plays," Lausch says. "There is not necessarily one guy that can do that again, but when we need a big play, I hope I or someone else can step up."

But while Gordian was in the limelight, Lausch also was steadily compiling impressive statistics as well. After Harvard switched to a 4-3 defense, Lausch saw increased playing time. He finished the season with 54 tackles, second among returning players. And, he tallied six sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception.

Lausch's performance on the field, as well as his tremendous work ethic, has garnered him the respect of both his teammates and coaches.

"[Lausch] is one of the most aggressive and intense players I have ever played with," senior offensive tackle Milan Kosanovich says. "He has the total confidence of everyone on the team."

"Someone has to step into [Gordian's] shoes, and I think John Lausch will do that for us," Coach Joe Restic says. "He's an aggressive player who loves the game and carries his enthusiasm to the squad."

More than anything else perhaps, Lausch's love for the game of football has gotten him to where he is today. While football is not the center of college life at Harvard like it is at other universities, Lausch is proud to don crimson and white.

"I have a lot of good feelings about playing for a school like Harvard," Lausch says. "You're not on scholarship. You play because you love the game. Football here kind of gets a bad rap, but it is still pretty big. I can't imagine a better experience anywhere else."