BIRMINGHAM– Two-sport athlete Drew Lawson is easily making a name for himself in both football and wrestling. The Bob Jones sophomore is the starting center for the Patriots’ football team and has had interest from numerous major football universities. He’s also receiving notoriety for his prowess on the wrestling mat and is expected to gain even more popularity after winning both the Freestyle and Greco Style Wrestling State Championships held in Birmingham.

The 6-foot-2, 260-pound athlete easily took the title against the competition with a pin and a 14-3 technical fall in the 285-pound Freestyle Division and two dominating whitewash technical falls in the Greco Style Division by scores of 8-0 and 9-0.

“I push the pace when I’m on the mat as I try more at the legs of my opponents, which is a little unorthodox than most heavyweight wrestlers,” said Lawson, 16. “I try and stay in better shape and take advantage of that and outlast my opponents. I like to expand my arsenal of wrestling skills.”

In the just completed high school wrestling season, Lawson was 32-14 on the varsity level. His wrestling skills were displayed after completing the most recent football season for the Pats as he accomplished one of his goals of being a starter on the offensive line as a sophomore. He also was part of the All-American Combine held in San Antonio, Tex. in January.

His state titles he recently earned are really just a prelude to what should be an incredible journey this summer. He’s currently in spring football practice sessions at Bob Jones, but Lawson will also wrestle in the Disney Duals Tournament as a member of the North Alabama Wrestling Club the third week of June. He’s expected to attend as many football camps as he can fit into his schedule prior to seeing fall football practices kick off in August.

“I pride myself in working hard and I’m pushing myself through what I call ‘51’ exercise routine each night at my home,” said Lawson. “I do a variety of sit-ups and pushups and always do 51 of each exercise. I’m competitive, even with myself.”

Lawson began wrestling in the eighth grade after Bob Jones head coach Matt Sweatman encouraged Lawson’s older brother, Caleb, to join the wrestling team. “I tagged along and really got into the sport,” added Lawson. In the eighth grade he posted a dismal 4-13 record, but sure determination and his competitive drive turned around his won-loss record in a big way the following season when he posted a 21-4 record. For his efforts he collected the team awards of Most Improved Wrestler and Rising Star Award.

He began playing football at age six and wants to play college football and has indicated he would love to attend Clemson University. He fell in love with the defending national champions’ program and is attending the school’s three-day football camp in June.

“I love football, but wrestling is a close second right now,” said Lawson.

A Bob Jones teammate of Lawson’s also did well at the wrestling event held at the old Thompson High School. Evan Pippin placed second in the 195-pound division.