Clemson coach Dabo Swinney, by virtue of having a son on the Daniel High team this season, got the chance to see the Lions play frequently around his own team’s schedule. And a player to catch his eye was DE Jahiem Lawson (6-4 214), the brother of former Clemson All-American defensive end Shaq Lawson. Monday night Swinney took his interest in the younger Lawson to the next level, offering him during d a phone conversation.
“Coach Dabo called me tonight and he was talking about how he liked how I played and how I got after the quarterback,” Lawson said. “He was just talking to me, and he just offered me. They see me playing on the edge, setting the edge, and pass rushing and getting after the quarterback.”
Lawson had earlier offers from Georgia Tech, Syracuse, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky. But he continued to play the waiting game until he got the offer he most desired.
“I was shocked, and I was just very blessed to receive it,” Lawson said. “I told him thank you and how big this opportunity was for me. It’s always been a dream for me to go to Clemson, but I’m still kind of looking. I’ve got a couple of options, but I don’t really know yet.”
Sacking the quarterback is a trait of the Lawson family. Shaq totaled 12.5 sacks along with 25 tackles for loss in his final season at Clemson in 2015. This season Jahiem had 12 sacks along with 25 tackles for loss, and he totaled 75 tackles. He helped to lead to Daniel to a second straight state championship, then elevated his profile even more in the Touchstone Energy Bowl. Lawson was named the Defensive MVP for the North after rolling up 3 sacks for 17 yards in losses.
“I did dominate, I did,” Lawson said. “I think that game played a big part actually (in the Clemson offer). There were big-time guys there and I showed out.”
Lawson has set a January 14th official visit to Clemson and said he hasn’t scheduled any other official visits at this time.
