Friday, February 15, 2013
2015 LB Sidney Lawson one to watch
By Damon Sayles
Sophomore inside linebacker Sidney Lawson (Kansas City, Mo./Staley) wears No. 52 -- the same number as his favorite player, recently retired Super Bowl champion Ray Lewis. Lawson knows he has a long way to go to reach Lewis’ status, but there are several characteristics he sees that he wants to implement into his own game.
“Most importantly, it’s his leadership skills and what he brings to the field,” Lawson said. “He has energy that feeds off to players, and he brings them all as one. I look at that and want to have that leadership for my teammates.”
At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Lawson already has the size. Once additional characteristics set in, much is expected from Lawson. It started in 2011 when he was a starter on defense as a freshman and it rolled over to the 2012 season. Lawson finished with 42 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery for a Staley team that finished 9-3.
“I feel I can bring a real physical state to the game,” Lawson said. “I have the physical side, and now I just need the speed. Once I get that, I feel I will be more of an all-around linebacker.”
Lawson’s play caught the attention of several opposing coaches, and his college interest is starting to peak at the right time. One player trying to get Missouri to pay attention is Trent Hosick, the dual-threat quarterback and Missouri signee who led Staley to a Missouri Class 5 state championship in 2011. Lawson was a freshman on that team, but Hosick instantly noticed something about him.
“It’s not like he’s playing varsity for some podunk school. He’s a very talented guy,” Hosick said of Lawson. “The single most important thing in being recruited is having a good work ethic, and Sidney’s one of those guys. Since his freshman year, he’s embraced idea of going to work and doing things other guys won’t do.
“He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve seen at his age, and that’s going to separate him from a lot of guys.”
Lawson considers Hosick a big brother and takes Hosick’s advice to heart. Getting better on and off the field is a top priority, and this spring will be one of the most important for him.
“I made plays, but I could have made more,” Lawson said. “I look at Trent, and he’s not afraid to dig deep and put in work. I learned that from him. That’s what I’ll be doing this offseason.”
