ATLANTA — Rashard Lawrence wants one thing to come true in his junior season at LSU: to get through a full year healthy.
Lawrence appeared in 10 games last season but was constantly battling an ankle injury that kept him from being 100 percent.
“The numbers, the stats will all come together, but for me, playing hard and remaining healthy is what I’m focused on,” Lawrence said.
During the injury-plagued year, Lawrence had 1.5 sacks to go along with 32 tackles, but he remained a vocal leader in the locker room for a team that needed guidance.
Lawrence said his high school, Neville, was where the seeds of his leadership quality were first planted.
“We needed leadership on that team as the torch was passed to me,” Lawrence said. “From day one, coach Orgeron recruited me to be a leader.”
Senior tight end Foster Moreau added that Lawrence has always had that leadership presence about him, and that his personality is infectious to the team.
“Rashard is so intelligent and so smart, and he knows how to be a leader,” Moreau said. “He uses the right words and talks at the right time, and he understands this team so well. He’s just been a great leader for this team.”
Being asked to be a part of SEC Media Day was a “blessing” for Lawrence, who lauded past players like Tre’Davious White and Leonard Fournette as former representatives for LSU at Media Days.
“It’s just a tradition bringing some of the best player on our team here,” Lawrence said. “I was excited. I got a great group with me in Foster and Devin, and we just want to represent the school and the team the right way.”
Lawrence was asked about what makes LSU great other than football, acknowledging the people of Baton Rouge and the teachers at the university.
“I think the teachers and the environment,” Lawrence said. “Everything is just so welcoming in Baton Rouge. From my first stay to now, everybody is friendly and helpful. It’s just an amazing school.”