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Lawrence excited to play for Pirates
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
GREENVILLE — When Gerald Lawrence signed to play football at Elizabeth City State University two years ago, he planned to use that as a stepping stone.
Lawrence, a former star at Washington High School, recently took that next step. The 6-0, 240-pound sophomore is preparing to play spring football with the East Carolina Pirates.
“I’m really excited,” Lawrence said. “I’ve been waiting since high school to be with the Pirates. I was focused on doing this my senior year (in high school) when I signed with Elizabeth City.”
Spring practice starts Wednesday and goes for 15 days.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of work on fundamentals and technique,” Lawrence said. “I’ll just have to get used to it and prepare for the upcoming season.
“I think we’re in full gear Friday and I’m ready to unleash on somebody.”
While Lawrence, who was named the Daily News’ Defensive Player of the Year after his senior season, is anxious, he also admitted to some nerves.
“I still have some jitters,” said Lawrence, who recorded 115 tackles despite missing two games his senior year. “I’m also excited to get going. I’m ready to get it going.”
The sophomore, who wants to be at 235 pounds for his playing weight, is looking to play inside linebacker for the Pirates.
“Coach Greg Hudson is the linebackers coach and he’s pretty down to earth,” Lawrence said. “He’ll be working with me and helping me get used to the new program.
“My main goal is to get on the two-deep depth chart.”
A former football and wrestling MVP who holds the record for most wins by a Pam Pack wrestler (139), Lawrence will be competing with the likes of seniors Pierre Bell and Quentin Cotton. Along with competing for a spot on the depth chart, Lawrence will have to get adjusted to Division I football.
“I have to get used to the speed,” Lawrence said. “It’s a whole different story from Division II to Division I, speed-wise.
“I’m just going to have to stay focused. My main goal is to keep working out and to keep building to get to where I want to get.”
Lawrence, who is studying physical education, has plenty of supporters in his corner.
“My parents (Raymond and Lynett Lawrence) have always been really supportive of me,” Lawrence said. “They and my grandparents have really helped me out.”
Lawrence can also seek some guidance from Sport Saywer, his former high school coach at Washington.
“He helped me out a lot,” Lawrence said. “When I signed with Elizabeth City, he was excited for me. He’s kept in contact with me ever since.
“He’s helped me with my character. He’s been a big part of me.”
Lawrence is excited to become the first Pam Pack player since Terrance Copper, who is now with the New Orleans Saints, to play at ECU.
“I’ve been watching them since Terrance Copper was playing for them,” Lawrence said. “I’m really excited to be a part of this program.”
He won’t be satisfied with just being a member of the team.
“I definitely want to get some playing time,” Lawrence said. “I want to get on the field.
“I bring my work ethic and my ability to play. Oh, and my hard hits.”
Lawrence, a former star at Washington High School, recently took that next step. The 6-0, 240-pound sophomore is preparing to play spring football with the East Carolina Pirates.
“I’m really excited,” Lawrence said. “I’ve been waiting since high school to be with the Pirates. I was focused on doing this my senior year (in high school) when I signed with Elizabeth City.”
Spring practice starts Wednesday and goes for 15 days.
“I think it’s going to be a lot of work on fundamentals and technique,” Lawrence said. “I’ll just have to get used to it and prepare for the upcoming season.
“I think we’re in full gear Friday and I’m ready to unleash on somebody.”
While Lawrence, who was named the Daily News’ Defensive Player of the Year after his senior season, is anxious, he also admitted to some nerves.
“I still have some jitters,” said Lawrence, who recorded 115 tackles despite missing two games his senior year. “I’m also excited to get going. I’m ready to get it going.”
The sophomore, who wants to be at 235 pounds for his playing weight, is looking to play inside linebacker for the Pirates.
“Coach Greg Hudson is the linebackers coach and he’s pretty down to earth,” Lawrence said. “He’ll be working with me and helping me get used to the new program.
“My main goal is to get on the two-deep depth chart.”
A former football and wrestling MVP who holds the record for most wins by a Pam Pack wrestler (139), Lawrence will be competing with the likes of seniors Pierre Bell and Quentin Cotton. Along with competing for a spot on the depth chart, Lawrence will have to get adjusted to Division I football.
“I have to get used to the speed,” Lawrence said. “It’s a whole different story from Division II to Division I, speed-wise.
“I’m just going to have to stay focused. My main goal is to keep working out and to keep building to get to where I want to get.”
Lawrence, who is studying physical education, has plenty of supporters in his corner.
“My parents (Raymond and Lynett Lawrence) have always been really supportive of me,” Lawrence said. “They and my grandparents have really helped me out.”
Lawrence can also seek some guidance from Sport Saywer, his former high school coach at Washington.
“He helped me out a lot,” Lawrence said. “When I signed with Elizabeth City, he was excited for me. He’s kept in contact with me ever since.
“He’s helped me with my character. He’s been a big part of me.”
Lawrence is excited to become the first Pam Pack player since Terrance Copper, who is now with the New Orleans Saints, to play at ECU.
“I’ve been watching them since Terrance Copper was playing for them,” Lawrence said. “I’m really excited to be a part of this program.”
He won’t be satisfied with just being a member of the team.
“I definitely want to get some playing time,” Lawrence said. “I want to get on the field.
“I bring my work ethic and my ability to play. Oh, and my hard hits.”
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