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To the surprise of absolutely no one, Auburn defensive end/buck linebacker Carl Lawson announced his decision today to forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft.
Thank you to the whole AU family for your love and support. Please send prayers my way as I embark on this new journey to the #NFL #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/3n33DVgIvS
— carl lawson (@carllawson55) January 4, 2017
Lawson had quite the career at Auburn. He exploded onto the scene with performances as a backup during Auburn's 2013 season with a key sack against Ole Miss and a 4th down stuffing of TJ Yeldon in the Iron Bowl that is directly responsible in a way for the Kick Six being able to happen.
A knee injury meant that Lawson was sidelined for the entire 2014 season. He played one beautiful half against Louisville to start the 2015 season but suffered a hip injury that sidelined him for half the season. He returned slowly starting with the Ole Miss game, but he was never really full speed until the bowl game.
In 2016, Lawson had the type of season we all expected. He finished just shy of Auburn's single-season sack record. He graded out as the best player on the field for the Tigers against Oklahoma.
With nothing left to prove and a full and healthy season behind him - something there were questions about if he could do after last year - Lawson made the best decision for himself and one every Auburn fan knew was coming. He will be entering the NFL Draft.
War Eagle, Carl. You were a joy to watch at Auburn and we'll be pulling for you at the next level. Go get 'em!