Trevor Lawrence to Join Elite Company After 2021 NFL Draft
Trevor Lawrence has had anything but a normal career. He dominated in his three seasons with the Clemson Tigers, racking up numerous accolades including 2020 ACC Player of the Year, 2020 Heisman Trophy runner-up, and 2018 CFP National Championship Game MVP. On April 29, he will have the opportunity to make history once again, this time for his home state of Georgia.
The 2021 NFL Draft begins at 8 p.m. on April 29. Former Cartersville Hurricane Lawrence will likely be drafted first overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are in dire need of a franchise quarterback.
If history is any indication, Lawrence will be the perfect man for the job. Why? He is set to be only the third football player ever from the state of Georgia to be drafted first overall. The two players before him, running back George Rogers and quarterback Cam Newton, had prolific careers and made a name for themselves on the national stage.
George Rogers was born in the city of Duluth and attended Duluth High School. As a Wildcat, he ran around and through his opponents, earning him offers from several high profile colleges. Rogers eventually settled on South Carolina, and the decision paid off in a big way. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in his sophomore season, and followed it up with a 1,681-yard rushing campaign in his junior year with the Gamecocks. He won the 1980 Heisman Trophy outright in his senior year behind almost 1,800 yards on the ground.
The New Orleans Saints didn’t hesitate to draft him with the first pick of the 1981 NFL Draft, and he went on to be a three-time Pro Bowler, an NFL rushing yards and touchdowns leader in two separate seasons, and a Super Bowl champion. South Carolina retired his No. 38 jersey number, and the Saints inducted him into their Hall of Fame.
Cam Newton’s dominance was evident early in his career. In his junior year with the Westlake Lions, Newton totaled 3,138 yards and 32 touchdowns through both the air and ground. Subsequently, Rivals ranked him as the second-best, dual-threat quarterback in the nation.
After originally committing to the Florida Gators, Newton transferred to Blinn College and finally Auburn, where he is most notable for winning the 2010 BCS National Championship over Oregon.
Newton’s playmaking ability landed him with the Carolina Panthers, and he proved his worth by leading them to Super Bowl L and earning MVP for 2015. He now plays for the New England Patriots.
History is on Lawrence’s side. Both his Georgia first-pick predecessors have amounted to continued success over their careers. Whether or not this trend continues is ultimately dependent on Lawrence. From how we all see it, he’s got it all under control. His skill set is unmatched and his leadership ability is off the charts. There’s little doubt that he will be the perfect quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Written by: Dhruv Mohan
