Interview: 2018 Memphis OT Will Lawrence to Add to his 33 Offers during Junior Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

On the gridiron there is something to be said for being a technically sound all-around good player, and that is what Harding Academy has in their rising star left tackle Will Lawrence.

Lawrence is a lineman’s lineman, which is bad news for opposing tackles, ends, and linebackers. Lawrence is not out on the field to make friends with the defenders he is set to go after on any given play. Illustrated play after play by humbling whoever is in his way by driving them 10 yards downfield with a pancake block finish most of the time.

Even though website recruiting rankings do not support the love from college coach evaluations, Lawrence is one of the best in the 2018 class. If his 6-4, 285 pound, frame and highlight reel does not send you over that edge then perhaps the 33 offers spread out before him will.

Lawrence still essentially has two years to add beef and strength to his lineman abilities. He also has time to mull over scholarship offers from teams like Auburn, Clemson, LSU, Arizona State, USC, Nebraska, Memphis, Alabama, Oklahoma, Florida State, Michigan, North Carolina, UCLA, Texas A&M, Duke, Texas, South Carolina, Ole Miss, TCU, and Ohio State. The list continues but the point has been made.

During the 2015 season, Lawrence helped the Lions to a 10-3 record seeing Class of 2017 running back Marquavious Moore rack up over 1,800 yards on the ground with 20 touchdowns against Tennessee Division-II A competition. The Memphis area squad has already hit the field for the 2016 season topping Wooddale (Memphis) 52-14 and Senatobia (MS) 17-0.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I caught up with Lawrence to get his thoughts on his early season play, the areas of his game he is working on, and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Will, the Lions are off to a nice start to the season. In your opinion, how has the team looked in those two games?

“We are all doing a really good job. I’m happy to be playing with my teammates and get this season going.”

Are you happy with your personal performance so far this season?

“Yeah. I feel like I have played well.”

What are some of the things you do well on the field as a lineman?

“I’m good at pass blocking. I have good feet, but I have to work on my aggressiveness with run blocking.”

What all did you work on this summer to get ready for the season?

“I did a lot of jump rump and worked to get more fit, stuff like that.”

Will we see you on defense at all this year?

“No. Next year I will but not this year.”

Will we see any tackle eligible plays with you this year?

(Laughs) “No.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“I want to be a good team player, a good teammate, and have fun.”

What is the strength of this year’s football team?

“Our senior class is very strong. One of our players is really good, we have a lot of good athletes.”

Which games that are left on the schedule are you excited to play?

“Really, I’m excited for all of them to be honest.”

Which college camps did you go to this summer?

“I went to Texas and Clemson.”

What did you learn from the camps that you are taking with you into your junior season?

“To be more aggressive.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“Thirty-three.”

Of the teams that have offered, are there any that are pushing a little bit harder than the others to forge that bond?

“Arizona State, Auburn, and Memphis.”

Are there any schools showing some interest but have not offered you yet?

“I don’t know yet. I will figure that out when they can start contact recruits (Sept. 1).”

Do you have any visits set up for this season?

“I’m going to Auburn for the Arkansas game and to Arizona State for the Cal game.”

What are you hoping to learn about Auburn and Arizona State during those visits?

“I want to learn more about the coaches on both staffs, more about the players, and the teams overall.”

Will, good luck with the rest of your season and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: hardingacademymemphis.org; No. 76 Will Lawrence pushes a defender out of the way.

Photo credit: youth1.com; No. 76 Will Lawrence runs downfield.