Q&A With Shaq Lawson

Note: The following appears in the Appalachian State gameday football program. To purchase a copy of the program while supplies last, send a check for $6 to Clemson Athletic Communications; P.O. Box 31; Clemson, S.C. 29633 with your return address.

By Sean Butler // Athletic Communications

Q. What age did you begin playing football and what position(s) have you played?A. I started when I was eight. I’ve played quarterback and running back. I played offense back then.

Q. When did you know Clemson was the right fit for you?A. In high school. I grew up a Clemson fan. A lot of my high school teammates came here.

Q. What has been your top moment as a Tiger?A. Sacking Braxton Miller in the Orange Bowl. Being on that stage and making a play like that felt surreal.

Q. What word best describes this year’s defensive unit?A. Disruptive.

Q. What is one thing you have learned playing with great defensive linemen who have come before you?A. Work ethic, no doubt. I learned how to come out here, bring it and get better every day as a team.

Q. Who has had the biggest impact on your life?A. My dad. After he passed away, it motivated me to get better in every aspect of the game and life in general.

Q. What question do you hate answering?A. “Why did they name you (Shaq) after a basketball player?” That is by far the question I hate answering the most.

Q. Outside of football, what hobbies do you partake in?A. I play video games and like to go fishing when time allows for it.

Q. If you weren’t playing football, what kind of team would you see yourself being a part of?A. I never thought of not playing football, but if I had to pick, I would be a basketball player. Then, my name could be more fitting.

Q. Do you have any hidden talents?A. I’m very athletic. I can do all kinds of dunks, which, for someone my size, is pretty impressive.

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