Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Erik Lawson, Long Snapper

Hello, I am @jrberendzen on Twitter and this is one of my free agent interviews where I ask very deserving free agents questions about the players themselves and about what a team would get in these players. All of these players should get picked up by NFL, CFL, and XFL teams and get a shot at being a career football player. So I hope you all read this interview and follow Erik’s journey on Twitter @e_law77

1.If  your life was a tv show what would you call it and why? 

Never Surrender- No matter what is happening in your life and how bad you think it is,  you can  still win the day and never surrender.  You will keep moving closer to reaching your goals and dreams. 

2.What do you do for fun?

 I like to work out, play video games, and hang out with my family and friends.

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

As a Long Snapper I am focused and relaxed so I can perform my job perfectly.

4.What is your favorite workout?

Currently I am doing the 5-3-1 workout and am loving it and long snapping drills.

5.Rank  focus, footwork and detail based on what is most important to you as a player?

In my position as a Long snapper Detail, Focus, Foot work

Detail: Alignment, blocking assignment, hand placement, where the punter likes the ball, being like a machine and snapping the same way every time.

Focus: Block out the noise of the crowd and opposing players, see the target hit the target, no misses

Footwork: Balance, moving quickly after a punt snap so I can block

6.What is your favorite stadium that you have played in?

Raymond James-USF/Tampa Bay Bucs  As a kid I used to go to games with my dad there and to play there for East Carolina was a really cool experience, my grandparents and friends were there to watch.

7.What do you hope to achieve as a football player going forward?

I want an opportunity to play in the NFL and show my skills, also I want to show kids that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals.

8.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

My parents are big football fans and watching the games with them made me want to get out and play. 

9.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I am different from most football players where I am hyped and cheering on my team from the sidelines, then when I step on the field to snap I am very focused and quiet like a sniper one snap, one kill.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

High Character, hard worker, punctual, loyal and fun to be around.

11.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Tim Tebow, because I think it would be fun to do a workout, play some ball, and talk. He has been a role model for me because of how he plays with intensity, treats his teammates and people in general.

12.What has been your biggest challenge in life?

I was speech delayed and had comprehension problems growing up. I didn’t start talking until I was about 6 and was on an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) from 2nd grade through High School. I worked really hard but was unable to qualify for Division 1 schools, so I attended Georgia Military College and transferred to East Carolina University. I graduated last December with lots of help from my counselors, advisers, teachers, coaches and most importantly my parents. Without all their support I would not be chasing my dream.