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DE Lawrence Wilson (official thread)

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Buckeyes' Lawrence Wilson puts on a show with his pick (not that he remembers it)
By Mary Schmitt Boyer, The Plain Dealer
September 26, 2009

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Terry Gilliam/Associated Press
Lawrence Wilson (97) is corraled by teammate Kurt Coleman after Wilson's third-quarter interception against Illinois on Saturday afternoon in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State defensive end Lawrence Wilson will be anxious to see the highlights of his interception in the Buckeyes' 30-0 pasting of Illinois on Saturday afternoon in Ohio Stadium, because he has no earthly idea exactly what he did.

His boisterous celebration after his pick in the third quarter earned some razzing from teammates and even coach Jim Tressel.

"He's got to be exhausted after his celebration," Tressel said. "He'll go to bed right now and sleep for two days."

Wilson jumped and spun and danced his way to the sideline, screaming all the way. He was surprised to find the ball in his hand when he got there. He was also surprised to find himself out of breath.

"I was definitely tired afterwards," he said, laughing. "When I sat on the bench, I thought to myself, 'What did I just do?' My teammates were giving me a hard time the whole rest of the game. ... I didn't even know what was going on until I sat down and my teammates said, 'Oh, man. You were going crazy.' The first thing I thought was, 'Coach Heacock is going to kill me.'"
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http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2009/09/buckeyes_lawrence_wilson_puts.html

Bob Hunter commentary: Wilson deserves memorable moment
Saturday, September 26, 2009
By Bob Hunter
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH


Illinois was on the move. Trailing 20-0 in the third quarter, the Illini had driven 42 yards to the Ohio State 34 when quarterback Juice Williams rolled right and threw a pass that was tipped by hard-luck defensive end Lawrence Wilson.

The ball seemed to hang in the air, much like the dark clouds that have stalked Wilson. The fifth-year senior didn't know it yet, but the ghosts of two frustrating years of rehabilitation were about to be exorcised.

"When I tipped it, I heard the crowd yelling," Wilson said. "And I ended looking up and I saw the ball and I'm like 'Wow, an interception.'"

"Wow" is right. Wilson made it only 4 yards before he was hit and reached the sideline. He was flailing his arms so much that some of his teammates were afraid to congratulate him.

"I wanted to give him a hug," defensive lineman Doug Worthington said. "But he was throwing all them 'bows, and I had to watch that I don't get injured. When he got off there, he had to hit the asthma pump a couple of times, he was so excited and got so riled up."

There's no way any of us can understand all the energy that went into Wilson's celebration. There's no way for him to sufficiently describe how horrible it felt to suffer a broken leg in the first game of the 2007 season, or how unfair it seemed to have his 2008 season end prematurely because of a knee injury in the seventh game. There's no way to summarize two years of rehabilitation, and Wilson didn't even try.

But know this: The daily grind has to be brutal. All work and no play. Sweat and pain, today, tomorrow and the next day, and the next and the next. Sweat and pain, all for a flimsy maybe. And then to come back for his final season at less than 100 percent and work his way in slowly, always believing his coaches and parents when they kept saying all that work eventually would pay off.

His coaches and teammates saw what he went through, which is probably why they felt as good about what happened to him yesterday as he did. The shutout meant a lot to them -- without his interception, there's a good chance the Illini would have scored -- but not as much as seeing their friend and teammate finally have the moment he had earned.

Sweet? Oh, yeah. This was sweet.

"It means the world to me," defensive coordinator Jim Heacock said. "Anybody who went over and saw him laying in the hospital the last two years. ... I'll tell you, it broke your heart knowing how hard he worked two years ago and then to come out there in the first game and break his leg. And then last year, back with a broken leg and work his tail off all summer and he's an excited football player ... and then to have knee surgery and be out for the rest of the season. It has really been a hard road for him. And then to come back this year and have some success, it's just unbelievable."
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BuckeyeXtra - Bob Hunter commentary: Wilson deserves memorable moment
Impact player
OSU’s Wilson back after two lost years
By ED PUSKAS Tribune Chronicle Sports Editor
POSTED: September 27, 2009

COLUMBUS - Ohio State's Lawrence Wilson was supposed to be the next Vernon Gholston, a dominant pass-rushing defensive end with NFL-caliber size and quickness.

But Wilson broke his leg in the Buckeyes' 2007 season opener against Youngstown State and missed the rest of the season.

While watching his teammates win another Big Ten Conference championship and earn another BCS title game berth, Wilson waited for his leg to heal and then furiously rehabbed to get ready for the 2008 season.

But that wasn't meant to be, either. Wilson tore an ACL against Purdue on Oct. 11, and again was relegated to watching his teammates finish the season and go to a bowl game.

"It was tough," said Wilson, an Akron native and St. Vincent-St. Mary High School graduate. "It was a difficult two years."

After two catastropic injuries, the Buckeyes weren't sure what they'd get from Wilson. But after already going through an extensive rehab program once, he was sure he'd get back on the field in 2009.

Wilson showed the Ohio State coaches, his teammates and a crowd of 105,219 he is back on Saturday, during the Buckeyes' 30-0 victory over Illinois in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Wilson, now a backup defensive end, tipped and intercepted a Juice Williams pass on the kind of instinctive, athletic play Ohio State's coaches once anticipated he would make routinely.

Wilson returned the interception just 4 yards before he was tackled, but admittedly celebrated like he "was crazy" after coming up with one of three interceptions by the Buckeyes.

Wilson, screaming and gesturing, wound up on the Buckeyes' sideline with the ball, which isn't exactly the field-exit strategy preferred by Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.

"My teammates came over and said, 'Man, you were going crazy,' " Wilson said. "When I sat down, I thought, 'Oh, I'm in trouble now. I'm going to hear about this.' Coach always says to just give the ball to an official, but I didn't see one, so I just took it with me.' "

Tressel acknowledged seeing Wilson's spirited celebration. How could he have missed it?

"He's got to be exhausted after his celebration," Tressel said. "He'll go to bed right now and sleep for two days."
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http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/527805.html?nav=5024
 
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Lawrence Wilson, Ohio State defensive end

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Wilson is one of 19 OSU seniors to be recognized today, and he has earned an extra long hug from Jim Tressel for what he's come back from to play his part this season. The story has been told: a broken leg in the first game of the year that ended his 2007 season, then a torn ACL midway through last year that brought another season to a premature close.

What no one knew was what he'd be able to do to help this year.

"It's gone pretty good," Wilson said this week. "The expectations, they were up in the air. I couldn't expect one thing. I'm contributing, and that's all I wanted to do, to help our D line and help our defense play well."

Ohio State's nine-man rotation on the defensive line, the strength of the team, includes four seniors in Wilson, Doug Worthington, Todd Denlinger and Rob Rose. Combined, those seniors have contributed 69 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. They aren't the stars of the group - that would be juniors Cameron Heyward and Thaddeus Gibson - but the Buckeyes will have some holes to plug in that depth next season, especially if either Heyward or Gibson leave for the NFL.

Wilson seems ready to go out on a high note. Last week he had a season-high five tackles. He's not the every-down dominator he looked like he might be at the start of the 2007 season. But in spurts, he's still tough to handle, a part of why the Buckeyes lead the nation in forcing opponents into three-and-outs.
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Four Downs: Doug Lesmerises' take on what to watch | Ohio State Buckeyes - cleveland.com - - cleveland.com

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qQVHCav0hQ]YouTube - Senior Day 2009[/ame]
 
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The Korey Stringer Award for the most inspirational area player was defensive lineman Lawrence Wilson of St. Vincent-St. Mary. After breaking his leg in the 2007 season opener and missing the season, then tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in midseason in 2008, Wilson returned as a senior leader and registered two sacks and three tackles for losses. He also intercepted a pass.
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Cleveland's OSU club honors the 2009 Buckeyes Tuesday night | Ohio State Buckeyes - cleveland.com - - cleveland.com
 
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The 87 behind the Liger was for Lawrence WIlson. When I signed up he was a frosh and showing great potential but never got a chance to reach it because of injuries. If he would have stayed healthy he would have been a rookie in the NFL this year, BuckeyeLiger don't root for no duds he would have been a serious player here.
 
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Representation: Lawrence Wilson
03/02/2010

When you pick an agent it?s all about personal preference. You have to feel comfortable with the person because this person works for you. I met with eight guys all together I think. My parents met with a few others and played a big role in my choice. They told me who they liked and they suggested who I should meet with.

I went with a guy in Columbus because it was a good fit for me. He has a good reputation across the country and gets a lot of good players. Beanie Wells is with him.

I talk to my agent almost every day. He knows my situation and he does a great job of talking to teams. He tells me every little detail about who he?s talked to and what they?re saying.

I feel great working with him. I have a good feeling about what he can do for me. It?s a good fit.
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Ohio State Football Coaches: coachtressel.com

Eating Healthy: Lawrence Wilson
02/24/2010

It’s been my dream to be drafted. If I can go anywhere from the mid to late rounds with a team that wants me to perform on and off the field I’ll be happy. The teams talk to our agents but you never know until draft day. A team can show a lot of interest in you and then not draft you.

My agent has told me he’s talked to a few scouts and coaches and I let him take care of that. Generally the teams ask mostly about my injuries. Am I healthy? How am I holding up? In 2007 and 08 my seasons were cut short because of injuries. My main goal is to show that I’m healthy, that I’m 100 percent. I am 100 percent. That’s my main focus right now.

I train Monday through Friday, sometimes on Saturday. I keep on a very strict regimen, it’s repetitive but it’s getting me ready. Training is hard on our bodies, pre-hab, re-hab, we’re training really hard.
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http://www.coachtressel.com/news/viewArticle.php?Article=830
 
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Bears bring Ohio State defensive end to Halas
April 16, 2010
By Vaughn McClure

Although the Bears added star Julius Peppers and have faith in Mark Anderson and Israel Idonije, it might not hurt to look at a defensive end in the draft simply for depth.

Ohio State defensive end Lawrence Wilson (6-4, 272) made a visit to Halas Hall this week, according to a source. Wilson is projected as a late-round pick or could sign as an undrafted free agent.

Injuries have hampered Wilson's once-promising career. He tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the 2008 season and broke his right leg at the start of the '07 season. But Wilson checked out fine medically during his visit with the Bears.

He previously worked out for the Jets and Patriots.

At one point during his college career, Wilson was thought to be a better prospect than Vernon Gholston, who left the Buckeyes early and became the sixth-overall pick of the Jets in the '08 draft.

Scouts rave about Wilson's athleticism and toughness, when healthy.
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Bears bring Ohio State defensive end to Halas - Chicago Breaking Sports
 
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OSU's Wilson ignores obstacles
Former St. V-M star aiming for pro football after two serious injuries
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Sunday, Apr 18, 2010

COLUMBUS: Since Lawrence Wilson was a toddler, he's never let an obstacle stand in his way.

If the future St. Vincent-St. Mary star and Ohio State defensive end saw a toy across the room, he would run into the coffee table to get it. His tunnel vision led to endless cuts, scrapes and trips to the emergency room, including one for a collision with the baby sitter's brick fireplace.

''The boy literally did not see obstacles,'' said his mother, Sarah Wilson. ''He wouldn't look at anything else except the goal and the goal was the toy. If he had to crawl over the table or under the table or go through the table, that's what he would do.

''He's always been like that. Every time he set a goal for himself, he's always achieved it.''

Sarah Wilson recalled other examples, like when Wilson vowed he would graduate from Ohio State in four years, which he accomplished last June, making the dean's list with a degree in strategic communication. Or when he promised he would stop sucking his thumb, a habit she said started in utero.

''I asked him, 'Lawrence, when are you going to stop sucking your thumb?' and he said, 'When I turn 8 years old.' On his eighth birthday, he stopped and never sucked his thumb again,'' she said last week.

His father, Eugene Wilson,
saw the same determination when Lawrence enrolled at Walsh Jesuit, where he spent his first two years of high school.

''I said, 'Lawrence, Walsh is kind of tough, you're not going to get straight A's. Do your best,' '' Eugene Wilson said. ''He said, 'I can get straight A's.' He got straight A's one quarter, then said, 'I'm not going to do it again.' If there was something he wanted, he would just do it.

''He's always had drive. He would eat and he'd say, 'First,' and I'd say 'Lawrence, it's not a race.' ''
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Ohio.com - OSU's Wilson ignores obstacles
It's all about shoes for OSU's Wilson
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Sunday, Apr 18, 2010

One could only imagine how Lawrence Wilson's burgeoning shoe collection would explode if he makes it in the NFL.

He estimates he has 200 pairs in Columbus and another 100 to 150 in Akron.

A neat freak who irons his clothes before leaving the house and whose family jokes with him by tipping a mirror or picture at his apartment, Wilson keeps all his shoes in boxes, stacked from floor to ceiling in his closet. Some are marked, like the ones he wore at the prestigious ABCD basketball camp in high school.

''I like to collect 'em. I love Jordans,'' Wilson said. ''I don't like to throw shoes out, although my father probably has.''

Eugene Wilson called his son's closet ''ridiculous.''

''He'll wear them once or twice and then they're in a box,'' Eugene Wilson said of the shoes. ''There's a couple he said, 'Don't get rid of.' But there's a lot of kids out there with big feet who don't have a lot of money. If I know somebody who needs them, I'll definitely give them away.''
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http://www.ohio.com/sports/91337649.html
 
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Coach's calls woo Wilson to the Bears
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: Apr 25, 2010

Ohio State defensive end Lawrence Wilson's decision to sign with Chicago was made easier after Bears coach Lovie Smith called him twice Saturday.
Wilson, a former St. Vincent-St. Mary star, was not selected in last weekend's NFL Draft. But he said Smith phoned him during the seventh round and again after he'd signed a three-year contract with the Bears.

''He said, 'We don't have any more picks, we only have five picks, but we really want to get you,' '' Wilson said Sunday. ''After we did the contract, he called me again and was very excited I decided to choose them.''

The last of Wilson's three pre-draft visits was to Chicago. He said he was talking back and forth with Bears scouts in the days before the draft.
''I haven't had any other head coach call a client over the weekend,'' said Wilson's agent, Adam Heller, who also had OSU's Ray Small sign with the Minnesota Vikings.

At defensive end, the Bears added free agent Julius Peppers and drafted Corey Wootton of Northwestern in the fourth round. But they lost Alex Brown (released) and Gaines Adams (died of cardiac arrest). Wilson and Wootton both had tough senior seasons after reconstructive knee surgery, Wilson's in 2008, Wootton's in January 2009.

''They'd like to have young competition there,'' Heller said. ''We thought it was a great opportunity not only because of that, but because of the great coaching they have. Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli have a track record of developing guys, especially defensive linemen.'' Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice are among Marinelli's proteges.

''I felt I should have been drafted,'' Wilson said. ''I was extremely disappointed. But I'm ready to show what I can do.''

Wilson will fly to Chicago Thursday for next weekend's rookie minicamp.
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Ohio.com - Coach's calls woo Wilson to the Bears
 
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I remember when he was a frosh/soph at OSU, everybody on the team was saying "Watch out for Lawrence. He's gonna be a 1st round pick someday." It's a shame that those leg & knee injuries had to happen to him.

Best of luck to Lawrence in Chicago!! Buckeye nation will be watching ya!
 
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