Name: Lawrence Johnson
School: Southeast Missouri State University
Position: DB
Height: 6-1
Weight: 205
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Lead my team to our program’s first 10 win season. Receive All-Conference and All-American awards.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
Plays with a lot of energy, the fire that gets the team going. Very smart and instinctive. Student of the game. Creative Playmaker. DAWG!!!
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I self evaluate, I like to focus on my footwork. Am I taking extra steps out of my breaks? Do I look fluid in and out of breaks? Are there any routes that I have a tendency of not defending well? Am I staying patient at the line? How’s my eye discipline? When I’m studying an opponent I like to look at tendencies, 1st and 2nd down tendencies, run tendencies, pass concept tendencies, where the quarterback likes to throw the ball or his “hit chart”, redzone tendencies, middle of the field tendencies, formation tendencies. Things of that nature. At the end of the day in football every team has tendencies and learning and understanding those tendencies always helps me play that much faster.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think a lot of things separates me from other prospects at my position but the Most Valuable thing is my versatility. In my last couple of seasons I’ve had games where I’m playing Free safety, Strong safety, Nickel, Corner, I’ve even played as a 5tech. I can cover, tackle, fill the alley, and pass rush.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
Plan on training down in Fort Myers, Fl with X3 perform. Shout out to Jordan Luallen. I’m hoping to get invited to more senior bowl games for opportunities to showcase my abilities.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I think one of my favorite strengths of my own is that I’m a people person. People just like to be around me, people feed off my energy. It’s contagious. My work ethic is another strength of mine. I’m no stranger to hard days and long nights of grinding. But not only will I always get my work in I’m always encouraging other guys to get extra lifts in, hit the field, or watch film with me. I’m very big on communication, when you’re on the field if you aren’t communicating every single snap you’re dead wrong. I always make sure me and my guys are on the same page. I can play anywhere on the field. I can cover on the outside, in the slot against speedy/shifty WRs, in the box against big physical TEs, I have a plethora of pass rush moves, I’ve been the Tampa guy in Tampa 2 coverages. I can do it all.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
With me Football is bigger than just making plays. I’m huge on the relationships I’ve built from football. I always go out my way to build relationships with everyone that plays a part, from coaches and players to admin, faculty and support staff. I’m most grateful for the opportunities football has given me, the people I’ve met, and the relationships I’ve built.
