Carl Lawson

[tigerbrotha12 2,362]

We've discussed this before, but what type of role will he play this year? More of a second teamer or one of our best?

[ellitor 33,284]

We've discussed this before, but what type of role will he play this year? More of a second teamer or one of our best?

Only the coaches will know but my best guess is a pass rushing specialist for the first part of the season and role expanding later in the season.

[yngwie1995 2,238]

^ Agree with that.

That said, I expect/hope to see him a lot in Washington State's backfield.

[tigerbrotha12 2,362]

Just not sure if he will become starter or not; Ford seems to have one spot pretty well wrapped up...

[DThriftWarEagle 3]

The other spot seems to be wide open since no one has separated themselves yet. In a recent article Johnson mentioned how the line needs to have a great pass rush, so I can see Lawson seeing significant play time early if he shows out in practice.

[AUenginerd 16]

The other spot seems to be wide open since no one has separated themselves yet. In a recent article Johnson mentioned how the line needs to have a great pass rush, so I can see Lawson seeing significant play time early if he shows out in practice.

Exactly. Equae, Carter, Sanders, and Daniels all better be ready because Dee Ford and Carl will be. WDE!

[IronMan70 3,315]

I think we are in good shape at DE and I think Carl is going to be hard to keep off the field as the season goes along. I am more concerned with the guys on the inside being able to move the line of scrimmage back. That's very important.

[DThriftWarEagle 3]

I think we are in good shape at DE and I think Carl is going to be hard to keep off the field as the season goes along. I am more concerned with the guys on the inside being able to move the line of scrimmage back. That's very important.

Agree!

[AUwent 3,794]

This may not happen but I'll call it--he starts from game 1. Why? During the A-Day game, the first team DL was dominated by the second team OL. Definitely a cause for concern, as reports from spring practice claimed that Ford was the only real pass rush threat. Well, when you're going up against a coach like Leach who loves to air it out, you need pass rush. Being a true freshman it will take time for him to become All-American material (Clowney had "just" 8 sacks as a true freshman), but he will be a big asset to help our DL get pressure; and when you have newcomers like him, and are in a rebuilding situation, you get them out on the field early and often! Looking forward to seeing what he can do. Less than 10 weeks now!

[Dixie1860 27]

Let's not forget Mr. Daniels either. He wasn't a 5* by accident.

[JDUBB4AU 5,140]

All Elijah Daniels has heard is how bad to the bone Lawson is. He has taken notice and will be ready

[The Plainsman 948]

Daniels will be ready no doubt.

[StatTiger 3,188]

^ Agree with that.

That said, I expect/hope to see him a lot in Washington State's backfield.

Washington State had issues on their OL last season allowing a tackle for loss every 9.6 plays, which was No. 112 nationally during 2012.

[aucanucktiger 1,818]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

[JFDTiger80 791]

I see Lawson as playing a fair bit this year. He is a full grown man. It will take him a while to learn the defense but, he should get pass rush time early and should expand on that as the season moves forward. Carl's speed off the ball is not going away. I think Lawson will be a difference maker as a freshman. He is such a dedicated kid.

[ellitor 33,284]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

In respect to fairness, the chop blocks were in response to Fairley playing Very rough, and that is putting it lightly.

[rollsroyce5 0]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

In respect to fairness, the chop blocks were in response to Fairley playing Very rough, and that is putting it lightly.

Nick only had one dirty play, the spear he placed squarely in Aaron Murray's back with the crown of helmet. The rest were just playing football like when he was blocked into Murray's knees by one of the thUGA OLinemen.

[Dixie1860 27]

I expect Coach Garner to coach these kids up to where they can give it as well as take it. Not to be dirty but not to be timid either. I will take a penalty occasionally from hard, hustling play. Not out of frustration or retalliation but just good ole' gettin after it!!

[TheBlueVue 177]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

In respect to fairness, the chop blocks were in response to Fairley playing Very rough, and that is putting it lightly.

Nick only had one dirty play, the spear he placed squarely in Aaron Murray's back with the crown of helmet. The rest were just playing football like when he was blocked into Murray's knees by one of the thUGA OLinemen.

And, in that play he wasn't really going full speed..it was kind of like he wanted to hit him as hard as he could have but pulled off in the last second. Ugrfan was pissed after that game and frankly, I love seeing them whine and moan. They're every bit as good at it as bamrfan is.

[Dixie1860 27]

THuga fans > Bammer fans when it comes to whining, IMO.

[ellitor 33,284]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

In respect to fairness, the chop blocks were in response to Fairley playing Very rough, and that is putting it lightly.

Nick only had one dirty play, the spear he placed squarely in Aaron Murray's back with the crown of helmet. The rest were just playing football like when he was blocked into Murray's knees by one of the thUGA OLinemen.

And, in that play he wasn't really going full speed..it was kind of like he wanted to hit him as hard as he could have but pulled off in the last second. Ugrfan was pissed after that game and frankly, I love seeing them whine and moan. They're every bit as good at it as bamrfan is.

I was not talking 1 game. I was talking the whole season. Since the refs were not flagging Fairley for the roughness he handled QBs many SEC OL felt the had to take matters in their own hands. UGA was not the only team who tried to chop block Nick.

[TheBlueVue 177]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

In respect to fairness, the chop blocks were in response to Fairley playing Very rough, and that is putting it lightly.

Nick only had one dirty play, the spear he placed squarely in Aaron Murray's back with the crown of helmet. The rest were just playing football like when he was blocked into Murray's knees by one of the thUGA OLinemen.

And, in that play he wasn't really going full speed..it was kind of like he wanted to hit him as hard as he could have but pulled off in the last second. Ugrfan was pissed after that game and frankly, I love seeing them whine and moan. They're every bit as good at it as bamrfan is.

I was not talking 1 game. I was talking the whole season. Since the refs were not flagging Fairley for the roughness he handled QBs many SEC OL felt the had to take matters in their own hands. UGA was not the only team who tried to chop block Nick.

Gotcha. I guess I'm just an old school football fan. Frankly, didn't think Fairley player dirty. Now he definitely played hard. i wish someone on this years team would step up and play like NF did. Opposing teams were trying to contain him anyway they could and not many could "legally" that I recall.

[IronMan70 3,315]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

In respect to fairness, the chop blocks were in response to Fairley playing Very rough, and that is putting it lightly.

Nick only had one dirty play, the spear he placed squarely in Aaron Murray's back with the crown of helmet. The rest were just playing football like when he was blocked into Murray's knees by one of the thUGA OLinemen.

And, in that play he wasn't really going full speed..it was kind of like he wanted to hit him as hard as he could have but pulled off in the last second. Ugrfan was pissed after that game and frankly, I love seeing them whine and moan. They're every bit as good at it as bamrfan is.

That was also the last time we were any damn good against UGa, plus you never heard Nick complaining. Nick gave as much as he got.

[juscAUse 1]

Since he'll have to play against UGA, keeping his knees away chop blocks (a la Nick Fairley) will be a major challenge.

In respect to fairness, the chop blocks were in response to Fairley playing Very rough, and that is putting it lightly.

Nick only had one dirty play, the spear he placed squarely in Aaron Murray's back with the crown of helmet. The rest were just playing football like when he was blocked into Murray's knees by one of the thUGA OLinemen.

And, in that play he wasn't really going full speed..it was kind of like he wanted to hit him as hard as he could have but pulled off in the last second. Ugrfan was pissed after that game and frankly, I love seeing them whine and moan. They're every bit as good at it as bamrfan is.

That was also the last time we were any damn good against UGa, plus you never heard Nick complaining. Nick gave as much as he got.

I like the way the old coaches put it. They use to say they wanted players that were mean as hades and try to reign them in a little. Just a tad this side of playing dirty. UAT is doing that better than anyone at this point. Playing nice in the trenches will get you beat badly by the not-so-nice-guys on the other team.

[SummerTiger 0]

Contrary to what many here may believe, I think the more fresh blood the better. We have seen this D-line for two years now, and we pretty much know what we are getting, and it isn't good. The current players mostly seem to be lacking the physical god-given trait that is required for SEC defensive lineman. These players have been through two defensive schemes and it hasn't emerged, so I don't count on a dramatic shift this year.

D Ford - has the body type of a linebacker and through all his work can't seem to add weight to be an every down d-end. Has the speed to run around a tackle, but has cannot hold gaps against the run

K Carter - shows flashes of penetrating ability but is inconsistent. May be something to build on with new staff.

N Eguae - plays fundamentally sound and can be a solid run-stopper with talent around him as in 2010, but disappeared last season (may have been injured)

C Sanders - specials teams standout, but plays out of control at D-end

J Whitaker - great guy, but doesn't have the first step or strength to make plays, plays too high and gets blocked down field

A Blackson - shown flashes of penetrating ability, but typically plays too high and gets blocked out of plays

G Wright - rushes the passer regardless of situation, yet has had just one sack per year, runs or is blocked out of most plays, not physical

Physicality may be improved, but it is hard to teach playmaking ability. Watching Fairley against Northwestern on New Years Day, it was obvious he had it.

Lawson appears to have the physical measurables and mindset to compete immediately. M Adams came from a small school and played against weak competition, so he will probably need a year or two. Not sure about Daniels. Redshirt Freshman T Nero seemed like a promising talent, but he hasn't cracked the conversation.