Lawson becomes second 2012 commitment for the Tigers

by TigerNet Staff - Sun Mar 06 20:21:31 GMT-04:00 2011

CLEMSON -- Daniel high school defensive lineman Shaq Lawson (6-3, 240) became the

second commitment for Clemson's 2012 recruiting class on Sunday. Lawson

committed to Clemson after his visit to the campus this weekend.

Clemson was the first school to offer Lawson last month. Lawson said he was thrilled with the offer

because he was a "long-time Clemson fan growing up". Offers from East Carolina, Maryland, and Tennessee

soon followed.

However, Lawson said a big factor in his decision to pick the Tigers was his desire to play on the same field again with

former Daniel High teammates, Nuke Hopkins and DeShawn Williams.

Lawson also said he was very impressed with the Clemson coaches, saying the staff was "really cool."

"I like the coaches, and they got a good defense," Lawson said.

Former Clemson defensive end DaQuan Bowers' recent success was not a main factor in his commitment but

rather Clemson's reputation for having a standout defense.

“They are a good defensive school,” he said. “They get their defensive players ready to play at the next level. They play fast and I like to play fast.”

Lawson, who runs a 4.6 second 40 yard dash said that "he wants to work hard

and get faster for the future." Lawson said he loves to utilize his speed to bring pressure from the edge.

“They say some people tell me I remind them of Julius Peppers, and some people say I remind them of Andre Branch at Clemson,” he said. “Speed is the best part of my game. I use my quickness to get around linemen and cause problems.

“Football is an aggressive sport, and I like to be aggressive. I like to get after people. I like to get out when it’s game time, and see the lights and the crowd. That gets me ready to play. I want to be prepared to win the game for my team and help my team out.”

As a junior, he had 100 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and two

touchdowns. He is a also basketball prospect who won a state championship as a

post player with Hopkins.

Lawson said he is very happy about his decision and his family is excited for him.

"I just want to thank God for everything."