by David Hood -- Senior Writer - Tuesday, November 20, 2012 10:16 AM

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Former Daniel defensive end and 2012 Clemson commit Shaq LawsonShaq Lawson
Defensive End
#90 6-4, 240
Central, SC
View Full Profile was back in Clemson for Saturday’s 62-48 win over N.C. State, and it was obvious that Lawson felt right at home on Clemson’s sideline.

Lawson arrived on Clemson’s campus back in the fall and had hoped to contribute along Clemson’s defensive line this season, but the NCAA Clearinghouse decided after the start of fall practice that an online summer course didn’t meet their standards, and Lawson was off to Hargrave Military Academy for the fall semester.

Saturday was one of the first times he has been back since the decision, and he said it felt good to be home.

“It felt good to see all the fans and talk to all of the coaches,” Lawson told TigerNet Monday evening. “It was great, and it was a great game. There was a lot of offense and the defenses didn’t play all that well, but it was exciting to watch.”

Lawson said that defensive ends coach Marion HobbyMarion Hobby
Assistant Coach / Defensive Ends
View Full Profile had a special message for him.

“He told me that I have a chance of playing early because Malliciah [Goodman] is leaving and they need somebody to play that side,” he said. “Also, Coach Hobby and Coach [Dabo] Swinney told me that they were happy I had lost a little weight. I went to Hargrave and I weighed about 278, but I am 265 now. We run hills and we have to walk a mile to practice every day.”

Lawson said going to Hargrave was tough to take in the beginning, but he can see now that the extra time has made him a better person and football player.

“It changed me. I have a little rank on the military side, and that means a lot,” he said. “They had me playing defensive tackle and defensive end up there. I had a great season overall and had 12 sacks. I would start out the game at defensive end and rotate to defensive tackle. I got better, faster and stronger. At first, I didn’t like playing defensive tackle, but I can’t complain because we needed help at that position.”

Lawson said he will be home for good in early January, when he will start back at Clemson.

“I will be at Clemson the first or second week of January,” he said. “I am ready to put the Hargrave experience behind me and move on to the next level. “

He also had said he hopes he can contribute next season.

“I really think I can help out with the pass rush,” he said. “I got faster. I like how Vic BeasleyVic Beasley
RS So. Defensive End
#3 6-3, 225
Adairsville, GA
View Full Profile gets after the quarterback. I watched some of his film, and I have learned some of his moves and stuff.”

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David Hood can be reached at davidhood@tigernet.com

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