Veteran Lawyer Essential Piece of Husky Defense
November 05, 2015 | Football
By Maureen Donovan
Consistency. If there was one way to describe veteran linebacker Scott Lawyer's career with the Huskies, that would be it. The fifth-year senior, while never quite in the limelight, has been a playmaker nonetheless for Washington the past four seasons.
When Lawyer, a San Jose, Calif. native, first arrived on campus in the fall of 2011 for his redshirt season the landscape of Husky football looked vastly different.
From the reopening of a newly renovated Husky Stadium to a completely new coaching staff, it is safe to say a lot has changed in the past five years. However, one thing has not changed: Lawyer's commitment to and love for Husky football.
Having played side-by-side with many NFL caliber players to come out of Washington the last several years, Lawyer has had some big shoes to fill but more importantly a number of guys to look up to.
“The work ethic of those guys has had a big influence on me,” said Lawyer. “Every day they came to work and I feel like I learned off of them. I got their vibe and I saw what I had to do. It really helped me make strides all the way from my sophomore year to being a fifth-year senior.”
Lawyer, primarily a reserve linebacker, has seen action in almost every game since the 2013 season despite never outright winning a starting position. In 2013, he played in all 13 games for the Huskies and recorded 18 tackles. Last season, he appeared in 10 games and made 20 tackles. So far this season, Lawyer has played in seven games including two starts.
Maintaining a certain mindset has been key for Lawyer as he's progressed from year-to-year.
“My mindset has to be consistent. Whenever my name is called I have to be ready to step up,” he said. “I am just excited to go in and play in front of all our fans. Every time I step on the field I look forward to performing.”
Lawyer's first career start came only a few weeks ago against Oregon, when he started in place of Azeem Victor who faced a first half suspension due to a targeting penalty the previous game. Lawyer, knowing his role, did not approach the game any differently.
“The only difference was the fact that it was my first start. So I had to go in there with the right mindset and come out aggressive and read my keys. Overall I felt like it was a great game. I had fun and that is all that really matters,” said Lawyer who also got a start the following week at Stanford.
With so many fresh faces to the Husky roster this season, Lawyer, as one of the veterans on the team has taken on a new role in terms of leadership on and off of the field.
“As a an older dude now, especially from last year to now, I have to be the vocal leader out there more than I have been in the past. It is a different role for me but every game it's just fun to get those young guys out there,” he said.
Perhaps the largest adjustment of his career though came with the arrival of a new coach. Undergoing a coaching change midway through Lawyer's career could have easily been a setback, however, with a transition of a new coaching staff came a shift in the culture of Husky football. Chris Petersen took over as the Washington head coach following Steve Sarkisian's departure to USC just in time for Lawyer's last two seasons.
“I have been able to see two sides of the spectrum and different perspectives from both coaches. Definitely with Coach Petersen, it is all about the team and I feel like that has really helped us take strides on and off of the field growing as men and football players,” said Lawyer in testament to Petersen's “Built For Life” mentality.
“As a family you have to fight for your brothers. It is not about the individual anymore it is more about the team. All of our effort goes toward playing for the guy next to us. I feel like that has really been a big change,” he added.
With Petersen, also came a phenomenal coaching staff, including linebacker coach Bob Gregory who works closely with Lawyer.
“Scott is a very, very reliable back up for us,” said Gregory. “We can count on him to go in there and make some plays. I am excited about him. He is an awesome kid.”
Last spring, Lawyer walked across the stage on the very field he has called home since 2011 to receive his degree in American Ethnic Studies. Hoping to go in to either social work or education, the future looks bright for Lawyer. At the conclusion of this season, he will be training for Pro Day as well potentially looking for a job.
“Doing both of those things while transitioning out of football is going to be tough for me, but I feel like I am ready with all of the knowledge that Coach Petersen has given me to be prepared for anything that happens. I am looking forward to that,” said Lawyer.
No matter what is next for Lawyer, he will always have life-long friendships that he made while at Washington that he will cherish.
“I have made some great relationships with guys, especially over the last year, that I look forward to carrying over after football,” he said.
From the triumphs, such as the recent road win over USC, to the inevitable sorrows, Lawyer has been there though it all. While, yes, the landscape of Husky football has changed dramatically through the course of Lawyer's career. One thing is for sure: his commitment to the purple and gold has never wavered.
