Swinney’s Investment in Lawson Paying Off

CLEMSON – Jahiem Lawson blanketed a wheel route for an interception in the Orange-White game, looking like the receiver in the process.

That’s no coincidence. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has been watching the redshirt sophomore defensive end since his days at D.W. Daniel High School, where he played with Clay Swinney.

Lawson started as a receiver until it was time to get serious about football according to Swinney. That’s when he slid to defensive end and has 25 sacks before becoming a Tiger.

This will Lawson’s third year at Clemson. He’s played in just five games but that’s been part of his development. Lawson’s body has taken time to develop and Swinney put him to work.

“Jahiem’s been coming. Jahiem’s been on the rise. He was a 200 maybe, might’ve been 212 when he got to Clemson. And you’re just like alright, let’s just throw him over there for a year and see if he’ll work and we’ll revisit,” Swinney said.

Nearly a month ago, Lawson talked about the physical evolution he’s gone through. He said that it “feels amazing” to play with the extra weight, and it’s not limiting the athleticism that Swinney recruited him for.

That was on display Saturday. It’s just a spring game, but you can literally see the size difference in Lawson and it matches his drive.

“Now he’s 245 pounds and he’s got some athleticism, he’s gotten stronger. He’s a savvy kid man and I’m proud of him. It’s important to him, he plays with a high motor. He’s tough, very competitive kid and it was good to see that,” Swinney said.

As the offseason becomes player-driven, Lawson still wants to add 5-10 pounds to make sure he’s at his best. If that’s the case Swinney said he me “got a really good future” ahead of him.

It’s been a two-year investment, but Clemson could have a big payoff with Lawson’s breakout on the edge.