2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Michael Lawson, DB, Lamar University

• Name: Michael Lawson
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 187 lbs
• Position: DB
• College: Lamar University
• Twitter: @44BeastLawson

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

Lamar is a small school in Beaumont, TX. We have beautiful facilities that have been recently renovated in 2018. The campus overall is mind-blowing. I am currently majoring in general studies and I will be receiving my degree in the Spring of 2021. On campus, we have a variety of facilities that are outstanding. We have a set where you can go in to eat, study and hangout with friends. We also have the recreation center which is my favorite part of campus. The rec is a place where you can workout, play basketball, play indoor soccer, play volleyball, run the track, play pool, video games and much more.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates say my best quality is my work ethic on and off the field. During the off-season, I am one of the most consistent players in the country. Meaning that I am consistent with my training whether that be speed/agility, DB drills, and lifting. On the field, I treat every day as a game. I practice at 100% that way when it comes game day, it is much slower to me because I trained my mind and body to recognize and react to certain plays. In order for me to get better every day, I focus on one thing a day, for instance, one day I might work on driving the WR, the next day I might work on my eye positioning, next I will work on my reaction to certain plays. By doing this it allows me to perfect the overall craft of my game.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself as a leader of the team. I want to help my team win a championship and to do that I need to get everyone on the same page. I see myself as an athlete on a team. Whatever I am called to do or have an opportunity to do I will make sure I do everything in my power to be the best at my job and bring my teammates along with me. I can play any skill position on the field so it doesn’t matter what position. I can play corner, safety, nickel and also contribute on special teams coverage and be a return specialist. If I have the opportunity to play ball that’s exactly what I’m gonna do and I’ll be the best at it.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

The best player I have ever had the opportunity to guard or play against is actually from my JUCO team City College of San Francisco in CA. His name was Easop Winston who is a Washington State graduate and was recently signed by the LA Rams. Guarding him on a day to day basis really improved my game because I never really knew what to expect when guarding him. Not only that but he is one of those guys that catches everything like DeAndre Hopkins. It was a pure competition on a day to day basis. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

The players that impress me the most are Myles Juice Wanza and Dallas Martin. Myles is a guy who is gonna give it his all everyday. He doesn’t accept average for himself or those around him. Another teammate that impressed me is Dallas Martin, my former juco teammate and my current teammate. He is a guy who perseveres through anything thrown at him. He is a guy who doesn’t accept mediocrity, he wants to be the best and wants the people around him to be the best and I respect that about both Myles and Dallas.

Check out NFL Draft Diamonds Small School Rankings

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

During my life, I’ve faced a lot of adversity. Growing up in a household of 10 had its ups and downs but for the most part, we made it work. A major struggle that I’ve had to overcome was being a 17-year-old father. It was rough, at times I would have to miss school or practice to take care of my daughter. Another major struggle that I had to overcome was taking the risk of redshirting after my sophomore of JUCO in order to get a D1 scholarship. I commuted a total of 4 hours just to get back and forth from school every day. 2 hours to school and 2 hours back. It was a grind but through the grace of God, I was able to fulfill my dream of playing D1 ball.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

If I didn’t play football I would most likely be a hooper. Growing up my family was huge on basketball. My older brother had an opportunity to play ball in Washington but he chose to stay home and help his mom out instead. Basketball is like second nature to me.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

What I’m most proud of about myself is being and to raise my daughter while still having the opportunity to fulfill my football aspirations. My biggest achievement so far is being a father. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

The most memorable moment of my collegiate career comes from my JUCO in 2016. We were on the road playing our rivals CSM(San Mateo JC). We were down 17-20, and I got switched to CB because our starter went down with an injury. Ball in on the 50 is an outside zone play. The RB breaks a few tackles and gets stood up in a pile. I came from the side, stripped the ball out, and took it to the house to give us a 23-20 lead. This was the moment that changed the course of my career. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

I don’t really have a favorite team but I do have a favorite player, Tyrann Mathieu. I’ve been watching his game since I was a freshman in HS. He is my favorite player because he and I have similar play. We are both smaller guys who don’t back down from a challenge. He’s been a real inspiration to me growing up and still continues to do so.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

My favorite music artist is Babyface Ray. He has an old school style of rap that I laid back. Before games I throw on Karl Joseph and Tyrann Matthieu highlights and listen to (all of the lights by Kanye west and superstar by Lupe fiasco.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Nothing better than Nana’s red beans and rice, blueberry cornbread, and fried chicken.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My all time favorite actor is Martin Lawrence and Bernie Mac

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

In my spare time, I sketch clothing designs, play basketball, and paint houses.

Who or what motivates you the most?

There are 3 things that motivate me the most. Those include.

1. God – He has blessed me with a Tremendous gift and opportunity. And I will not allow myself to fail him nor me in wasting this gift/opportunity.
2. My daughter – I will provide my daughter with the best. I will give her everything I never had growing up, and I will make sure she has the opportunity to make a change in the work we live in today.
3. The fear of failing with regrets – It’s one thing to just fail, but to fail with regrets is unbearable.