On the heels of a prolific high school career, top freshman defensive end Carl Lawson brings elite pass rushing ability to an Auburn defense that finished 74th nationally in sacks in 2012.
The 6-2, 258-pound Lawson, rated the No. 1 overall defensive end and No. 4 player overall in the 2013 recruiting class by Rivals, has already impressed his new teammates with his physicality and speed.
"I'm looking forward to seeing him be successful and it's going to be quick," senior defensive end Dee Ford said. "Usually on defense you have to make physical changes before you can play and this guy is ready to play."
New defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson has praised the quick transition Lawson and fellow newcomer Elijah Daniel had made to Division I competition.
"They're maybe two of our best pass rushers," Johnson said during fall camp. "I think they're coming along well enough that we're going to be able to play those guys sometimes, and hopefully early."
Lawson is expected to improve Auburn's edge pass rush, an area the Tigers struggled to find consistency in during the 2012 season.
"Those guys have shown a good sense of rushing the passer, smoking off the ball," said senior defensive lineman Angelo Blackson. "Those guys are young, but we need them to compete this year."
A native of Alpharetta, Ga., Lawson excelled at Milton High School where he tallied 42 sacks and 75 tackles for a loss in his final two seasons. Lawson was selected to the Under Armour All-American team after his senior season.
This summer, ESPN recognized Lawson by naming him to their preseason freshman All-American team. He is Auburn's first since junior Reese Dismukes and former player Erique Florence were named to the CBSSports.com team in 2011.
Lawson and Daniel, along with seniors Craig Sanders and Nosa Eguae, will be utilized in a rotation system to fill the defensive end spot opposite Ford this fall, according to Johnson.
But with Ford out for the season opener, the newcomers could see a lot more playing time against Washington State.
"Those guys are talented," Eguae said. "Those guys came in with college bodies."
While the athleticism Lawson brings to the field may be obvious, but teammates say the intangibles Lawson plays with are what set him apart.
"He just has one way of playing and that's it," Ford said. "He has one motor."
By donning the No. 55 jersey, Lawson will be reminding Auburn fans of the freshman success of another well-known No. 55: All-Pro linebacker Takeo Spikes and former Auburn player.
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