Disruptive force: Clemson's Lawson has found his game

CLEMSON – Somewhere, hidden in Shaq Lawson’s 6-foot-3, 270-pound frame, is John Stockton.

“He thought he was going to the NBA,” Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney said. “Then he learned he wasn’t a point guard.”

But Lawson certainly has turned out to be a pretty good defensive end.

Lawson leads the nation in tackles for loss with 20.5 this season, and is attempting to become the fourth player in Clemson history to lead the country in that statistical category.

He took the lead with 1.5 tackles for loss in last week’s victory at South Carolina, prompted by a challenge issued by Swinney prior to the game.

“I told him, ‘When the game’s over, you need to be leading the nation,’ ” Swinney said. “He loves stuff like that. He likes challenges.

“Now he needs to be leading the nation after this game, too.”

“This game” is Saturday’s Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game against North Carolina in Charlotte, and padding his numbers could prove a daunting task.

North Carolina has allowed 51 tackles for loss, including only 12 sacks, this season, ranking among the national leaders in both regards.

The quarterback for the Tar Heels, senior Marquise Williams, is savvy and elusive, and running back Elijah Hood seldom gets trapped behind the line of scrimmage. But Lawson is eager for his chance.

“We’ve been tested all year,” Lawson said. “We’re ready for the challenge.”

Lawson has met every challenge this season. Moving seamlessly into the defensive end position vacated by All-American Vic Beasley, Lawson quickly established himself as yet another force to be reckoned with, continuing a tradition of standout defensive ends who have honed their games at Clemson.

He’s logged at least one tackle for loss in 11 of 12 games for the top-ranked and unbeaten Tigers, but really impressed NFL scouts with his performance against No. 6 Notre Dame on Oct. 3.

Lawson had nine tackles, including 3.5 stops for loss, while working against highly touted tackle Ronnie Stanley. In his latest assessment from NFLDraftScout.com, Lawson is considered a first-round draft pick, No. 21 overall and rated the third-best defensive end.

He’s fourth on team with 73 tackles and leads Tigers in sacks with 8.5; he’s also second on the team with 12 quarterback pressures.

“He’s a disruptive force,” Venables said. “We love him and are glad he’s on our team. The recognition he’s received is well deserved.

“Shaq likes to play. He brings passion and good energy and good instincts.”

Lawson is known for his fun-loving demeanor and exuberance, even in the midst of battle.

“I’m very excited when I make a play,” said Lawson, a first-team All-ACC pick who was runner-up for ACC Defensive Player of the Year on Wednesday. “I like to lead the team on and motivate them every time I’m out there on the field, bring excitement to the game.”

Lawson has done that, time and again this season.

Now the future is up to him; should he return for a senior season or make the jump to the pro ranks?

“I’ve made up my mind,” Lawson said.

But he isn’t willing to share his decision just yet.

“I’ll wait, I’ll wait,” he said.

Perhaps he’s still pondering a future as an NBA point guard.

CLEMSON’S NATIONAL TACKLES-FOR-LOSS LEADERS

2015 Shaq Lawson DE 20.5

1999 Keith Adams LB 35.0

1991 Rob Bodine DT 27.0

1984 William Perry MG 27.0