Michael Lawson

Safety / Lamar

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Michael Lawson:  I am 5’9 and 188 right now.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Michael Lawson:  I had a couple of weights in my garage.  I was running hills and on the track.  I did cone drills.   

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Michael Lawson:  I played baseball, ran track and played basketball.  My first sport was originally baseball.  I was a pitcher.  I did 100m, 200m and high jump in track and field.   

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Michael Lawson:  Any skill position you can think of.  My freshman and sophomore year, I played RB.  Junior and senior year, I played slot receiver. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Michael Lawson:  I had a D-II offer from Humboldt State.  I committed to them on signing day.  Then I got a phone call from San Francisco city college to play corner.  Humboldt State wanted me to play slot receiver.  I wanted to play at a D-I level.  I took a chance on myself.   

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at a junior college? 

Michael Lawson:  I established a good friendship with the coaches.  They developed me mentally and physically.  I played corner at first and then transitioned to safety.   

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Lamar? 

Michael Lawson:  Lamar had the coaches who showed interest in me.  One of my teammates from junior college committed there.  I liked the program and the culture.   

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your junior season?          

Michael Lawson:  Individually, it was my best year.  But I know that I can do way better.  From a team standpoint, we had a lot of issues with injuries.  I had 94 tackles.  I can play FS, SS and nickel. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from your team this upcoming season? 

Michael Lawson:  Make the playoffs and compete for a conference championship. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Michael Lawson:  My biggest strength is being around the ball 24/7.  I bring the juice to the team.  I am a competitor.   

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Michael Lawson:  I need to get better with speed and be more disciplined with my eyes. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Michael Lawson:  The highlight for me was the Sam Houston State game.  It was a 3-OT game.  I sealed the win with a pick.  I had two picks and 10 tackles that game.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Michael Lawson:  The game is about having fun.  I enjoy playing with my teammates.  They are like family.  You build lifetime relationships with the coaches and teammates.     

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Michael Lawson:  Marshawn Lynch.  When I played RB, I emulated Beast Mode.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Michael Lawson:  Definitely, RB Myles Wanza, LB Dallas Martin, corner Kyron Norwood, DL Davion May and DL Reggie Boseman. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Michael Lawson:  The hardest opponent was Sam Houston State.  WR Nathan Stewart was the toughest WR.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DB?

Michael Lawson:  Versatility.  Being able to play a lot of positions.  Play in the box, back end and in the slot.

Alex Khvatov:  What is it like to play safety?

Michael Lawson:  I love the pressure.  It is all on us.  We are the last line of defense.  You are involved in the run game and the pass game.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Michael Lawson:  Life lessons that it shows you.  The relationships.  I love to hit someone constantly on the field. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Michael Lawson:  I play basketball.  I love to spend time with my daughter and make paper airplanes.

Alex Khvatov:  How has fatherhood changed your life?   

Michael Lawson:  It has changed everything about my life.  I was a wild kid.  I need to focus on my vision, what I need to do and where I need to go.  She has made a huge impact on my life.  She is four years old. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Michael Lawson:  After football, I want to get into construction like my dad.  When I earn some money, I want to open up a training facility for others.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Michael Lawson:  Humble, hungry, motivated, perseverance, and loving.