One of the most impactful defensive playmakers in the SEC, if not the country, will be back on the field soon for Auburn.
Carl Lawson, who plays the ‘Buck’ position in Auburn’s defense, returned to the practice field Tuesday, Oct. 27.
While coach Gus Malzahn said Lawson would participate in all parts of practice, he would not commit to the defensive end playing on Saturday against Ole Miss.
“He’s been doing some things with the trainers and all that to try to get himself in shape … but there’s nothing like getting out there and actually practicing. That’s why I kind of said I’m hesitant to say that right now he’ll play this Saturday.”
Lawson, who missed the entire 2014 campaign after suffering a torn ACL in preseason practice, did not travel to Auburn’s first road trip at LSU, but he did go to road games at Kentucky and Arkansas to provide instruction and encouragement.
“He’s one of our leaders,” Malzahn said. “His teammates have a lot of respect for him, as well as coaches do. We took him on our last two road games because of that. It’s definitely helped us.”
Lawson has not played since he injured his hip in the first half of Auburn’s opening game against Louisville in the Georgia Dome. The sophomore displayed his explosiveness against the Cardinals, recording four tackles, including two tackles for loss and a sack in the first half alone.
It was not difficult to see the drop-off Auburn suffered when Lawson exited the Louisville game.
In the first half, Auburn gave up 164 yards and zero points as Lawson wreaked havoc. The defense faltered without him, however, giving up 241 yards and 24 points.
The defense struggled throughout Lawson’s absence, surrendering an average of 435 yards per game in the six games Lawson has missed. Specifically, the injury has hurt the Auburn pass rush, as Auburn is 13th in the SEC with 11 sacks.
With proficient spread offenses on the horizon for Auburn’s defense, cornerback Jonathan Jones said Lawson’s return couldn’t come at a better time.
“Carl’s a great pass rusher,” Jones said. “Anytime you’re playing a team that throws the ball as much as Ole Miss, and we still have Texas A&M coming up, pass rush is going to be huge in both those games.”
With injuries limiting his production the last two seasons, Malzahn said Lawson is ready to show what he can do on the field.
“He’s a competitor,” Malzahn said. “He’s went through a lot. … Last year, having to sit out, that was tough on him. … He’s a kid of character and he’s a tough kid, so he’s excited to be back out there for his team.”
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