Going Vertical
Heading into the 2013 football season, the Southeast Edition of In The Game featured on paper perhaps its finest array of talent to date. Some of those players were highly ranked by the major scouting services while others were on the cusp. As the season progressed, a number of those prospects proved themselves worthy of such accolades. This month, ITG tips its cap to the area’s finest receivers.
Sennua Lawson, Pierce County High School
(6’1”/198)
Coach: Sean Pender
Parents: Richard and Robbin Lawson
Colleges interested: Mercer, Middle Tennessee State, UT-Chattanooga, and Vanderbilt.
The Skinny: Lawson is a viable commodity at the next level thanks partly to his speed (4.65) and strength (bench and cleans 275, squats 405), athletic qualities that actually run in his family. Lawson’s father played football at Florida A & M while his mother ran track at Tennessee State. Younger sister Nailah plays golf and basketball.
Stat line: Lawson played his first two seasons at Crisp County High School in Cordele. As a freshman, he had 10 receptions for 80 yards and one touchdown. The following season he logged 25 catches for 270 yards and a score. He turned heads last season at PCHS with his blocking ability and route running, winding up with 43 catches for 681 yards (15.8 avg.) and 10 touchdowns, all of which rated second on the team. Through the first nine games of this season, Lawson led the Bears in receptions (39), yards receiving (570) and touchdown catches (five) while averaging 14.6 yards per catch.
Academic angle: Lawson is in position to be an honor graduate with a 3.68 GPA. His favorite subject is social studies.“There’s just something about that I love,” he says. “My dad has always taught me about military stuff and geography.” The blue-chipper admits his college choice ultimately hinges on academic particulars. “They have to have the major I want – International Business,” says Lawson, who gleaned an interest in that field through an aunt who works as a business entrepreneur.Favorite highlight: “Probably the coolest play I’ve ever done was in 10th grade. I took a slant to the house for 60 yards against Houston County for the game winner (14-13, Crisp).
” Coach’s comments: “Sennua is a very unselfish kid that definitely puts the team first,” says PCHS head coach Sean Pender. Whether it’s a pass or a run, he always puts in the same amount of effort and he does not shy away from contact.” Lawson on intangibles: “Blocking is just something you have to work on, like with all things. I really had to push it during my freshman and sophomore years and that’s how I got onto the field. When you come off the ball and it looks like you’re running a route but you’re actually coming to block, it will keep the defender honest and you can set up stuff. Football teaches you work ethic. It teaches you how hard work can pay off and where it will take me, hopefully to college, is the most important thing because that will help me 40 years down the road. If it can help me support my future family, that’s all I look forward to.”
Krenwick Sanders, Wayne County High School
(6’2”/195)
Coach: Jody Grooms
Parents: Chandra Height, Reggie Sanders.
Colleges interested: Verbally committed to Wisconsin
