Carl Lawson leaving Auburn early with fond memories

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Jan. 4, 2017

By Charles Goldberg
AuburnTigers.com

AUBURN, Ala. - Neither offensive linemen nor injuries could keep Carl Lawson down.

The Auburn defensive lineman said Wednesday he's turning pro after this, his redshirt junior year. He'll now will be looking to harass quarterbacks in the NFL next season, just as he did in college in 2016 when he led Auburn in tackles for a loss, with 13½; and in sacks, with nine. Lawson is projected as an NFL early-round pick by ESPN.

"Thank you to the whole AU family for your love and support. Please send prayers my way as I embark on this new journey to the #NFL #WarEagle," Lawson tweeted.

Lawson, who didn't play because of knee surgery in 2014 and who missed half of the 2015 season with a hip injury, was strong from start to finish this season. Rodney Garner, his defensive line coach, wasn't surprised.

"He has a lot of resiliency about himself," Garner said. "He's very focused. He always just reassesses his goals and goes back to work. That's the thing I really like about him. This young man really wants to be good. He works hard at it, and not just on the field, but off the field the way he lives his life. He's an example for a lot of young men."

Lawson didn't let the injuries sidetrack his career. He teamed with Montravius Adams and others in 2016 to help form one of the top defensive lines in the SEC.

"He's always been very positive, and that's a tribute to his parents and how they raised him," Garner said.


Leaving early was a possibility: He went through Senior Day activities at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Nov. 19 because he said he wanted to be with the players that were in his signing class.

"I've loved everything about Auburn since I've been here. It's been a great place, a great experience," he said.

Lawson spoke positively of his Auburn experience before playing in Monday's Sugar Bowl.

"I felt it immediately when I got here," Lawson said. "I really appreciated the Auburn family and what Auburn stood for and the integrity. It's always been there, but I guess it grew the more I was able to experience it."

Charles Goldberg is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: Follow @AUGoldMine