MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama added another commitment to its 2015 football recruiting class Sunday when Smiths Station High School standout Nigel Lawrence announced he will play football and baseball for the Jaguars.
Lawrence, a three-star prospect, chose South Alabama over Georgia State, Western Kentucky, Cincinnati, Mercer, UAB and Troy.
Opportunity at Safety
Lawrence, who is listed at 6 feet and 178 pounds, projects as a safety for the Jaguars. The South Alabama assistant recruiting him spoke with him last month to discuss his academic path toward a degree and the chance to compete for playing time at safety right away, and that pitch was a factor in his decision.
Lawrence visited campus in July and was drawn to the atmosphere there. He plans to return for South Alabama’s game against Mississippi State in September and also intends to attend games at several other schools this fall, including Auburn.
Two-Sport Plans
In addition to football, Lawrence plans to play baseball at South Alabama.
After announcing his decision, Lawrence posted on social media about the growth of the Jaguars’ football program and said he wants to help make history at the university.
Program Background
Lawrence is the latest addition to the 2015 class for head coach Joey Jones, who has led South Alabama football since the program began. The Jaguars compete in the Sun Belt Conference and play home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
As a high school senior, Lawrence cannot sign a national letter of intent until national signing day in February, so his commitment is nonbinding until then.
