Name: Marcus Lawrence
School: CSU-Pueblo
Position: DB
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 200
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
As a team the goals set out for us was first to win a conference championship. Then to compete in the playoffs for a chance to compete for a national championship. We underwent a lot of changes to our program the months leading to the season which had an impact on the team. Personally, I set out to be a leader and uphold the standard of a known D2 program that had been established by the great players and coaches before me. I also set out to be an All-conference and All-American selection. I also strived to lead our team in interceptions and pass break-ups and have the most tackles amongst cornerbacks. I was able to earn an All-Conference selection while tying for the league in interceptions and having the most pass break-ups. I ended up finishing the season with the second most solo tackles on the entire team.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I took it as an opportunity to try and take myself to a place I had never been before both physically and mentally. To enforce that I couldn’t allow myself to remain comfortable and always pushed my limits in the weight room and my field training. Due to the unfortunate passing of our great defensive coordinator Donnell Leomiti, we experienced changes to our staff. So extra time was put into film and on field work to adjust to a new defense and developing a relationship with our new defensive coordinator Miles Kochevar. Also, after playing along such a veteran secondary, we lost a lot to of experience. So while learning and getting acclimated to the new system, we also needed to develop and lead young and new players in the program.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say I’m someone that loves to compete. Someone that pushes themself to be the best they can be while also having that expectation for others as well. I believe they would call me someone that puts the team first and is always locked in to the task at hand. Our secondary would go by the saying DO YOUR JOB (D.Y.J). And I believe they would agree I live by this. Their would be games I would go an entire three quarters and I wouldn’t have been targeted. But every play I’m locked in to playing the proper technique, competing to my best ability, and running to the ball. So that when they do throw it my way, I’m ready and not caught off guard and put myself in position to making the play.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
The biggest thing I focus on is tendencies. When I study a team’s best receivers I make myself familiar with their releases and this helps me know what to expect when they are coming off the ball either against press or off coverage. I also try to look for any gimmicks they might have, like if they lick their gloves or wipe their towel before it’s a pass play. This is also done with quarterbacks as well. I also study the the QB’s three step progression. This allows me to get familiar with what kind of routes to expect based off of the drop they give me. It is also important to study what top route concepts to expect based on certain formations and down distances. So when you know where you’re at on the field and see a familiar formation that you studied, you’ll have an idea of what type of play they could possibly run.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think my size for one. I’m a tall, long, and physical corner that can cover receivers of any size and speed. I have the ability to run down the field with any receiver and reaction to cut on the spot. Also my versatility. I have experience at playing every secondary position and the physical capability of filling and meeting a running back in the hole and the range to cover from the post to past the numbers. Not to mention my playmaking ability. I have proven to make plays for the team when they are needed and showing the ability to be clutch in securing wins for our team in close competitions. Lastly, I’m a competitor in every way. I’m going to compete with my teammates to get the best out of each other’s game and I’m also going to want the responsibility of covering a team’s best player. I always want to go against the best because that’s just going to bring out the best in me. It’s one of the reasons I love playing corner. Because when you’re on that island, all you got is yourself and I don’t like to lose.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am currently training at Landow Performance in Centennial, Colorado. They are one of the best sports performance facilities in the country and they are taking every necessary step in ensuring I am at my best come pro day.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I am a very coachable player. When I receive criticism and coaching, I do whatever I can to learn from it and apply what I learned to prevent myself from making the same mistake. No matter what position I am in, I’m going to compete and show I belong. I’m going to be a player that puts the team first and do whatever it takes to win. Nothing is ever guaranteed so all I can do is give 100% of what I got.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Whatever organization I’m lucky enough to be apart of will get full dedication, effort, and support from me in any way that I can provide. I’ve played this game since before I was even in school and it has presented me with so many opportunities I am forever grateful for. And I don’t see that stopping anytime soon. I’ve loved every part of this journey so far but I’m just getting started.
