Lawrence Jamel Wilson (born November 16, 1987) is a former American footballlinebacker. In both his junior and senior seasons, he led the Big East in tackles and was selected to the All-Big East First-team. He finished his collegiate career second in tackles all-time at UConn.[2] Lawrence was selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft at pick number 166 by the Carolina Panthers.
After red shirting during his freshman season at Connecticut, Wilson began his playing career as the starting weaksidelinebacker in 2007, due to an injury to incumbent starter, Ryan Henegan. He would start all 13 games and set a freshman UConn record with 113 tackles.[1] His sophomore season was highlighted by a game winning interception returned for a touchdown against Louisville. He would earn Big East Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in that game.
Wilson led the Big East in tackles and was named to the All-Big East First-team during both his junior and senior seasons. He scored his third career touchdown off of a tipped pass against South Florida. It was the only touchdown the Huskies scored in the victory, and helped them clinch their first trip to a BCS bowl game.
Professional career
After his senior season, Wilson was invited to play in the Senior Bowl where he was fourth on the north team with six tackles. In preparation for the 2011 NFL draft, Wilson was also invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.
Wilson was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 6th round (166th overall).[4]
On September 5, 2011, he was signed to the Panthers' practice squad.
On November 8, 2011, after being cited for speeding and marijuana possession, the Carolina Panthers released Wilson from the practice squad and team.[5]
Lawrence would eventually end up with the Tennessee Titans before being cut May 1, 2012. Two weeks later, he was signed to the New Orleans Saints. By July, the NFL suspended Wilson one game and fined him an additional game check for violating the league's substance abuse policy attributing to the November 2011 incident. On August 31, 2012, the Saints released Wilson during final cuts.
On January 10, 2013, Wilson was signed by the Chicago Bears.[6] He was waived on August 25.[7]
On October 9, 2013, Wilson was signed by the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League to a practice roster agreement.[8] He was released by the Argonauts on October 12, 2013.
On November 19, 2013, the Chicago Bears signed Wilson again, this time to the practice squad.[9] Wilson was cut by the Bears on June 5, 2014.
On July 22, 2014, Wilson was signed by the St. Louis Rams. He was waived during final cuts on August 30. 2014.
