Lawrence Wilson

Lawrence Jamel Wilson (born November 16, 1987) is an American football linebacker for the Carolina Panthers. He finished his collegiate career second in tackles all-time for the Huskies. In both his junior and senior seasons, he led the Big East in tackles and was selected to the All-Big East First Team. He finished his collegiate career second in tackles all-time at UConn. Lawrence was drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft at pick number 166 by the Carolina Panthers.

Early career
Despite playing high school football in Tuscaloosa, AL, Wilson received only one scholarship offer; from the University of Connecticut, partially because his father lived in the state. He committed to play football for the Huskies on January 16, 2006.

College career
After redshirting during his freshman season at Connecticut, Wilson began his playing career as the starting weakside linebacker in 2007, due to an injury to incumbent starter, Ryan Henegan. He would start all 13 games and set a freshman UConn record with 113 tackles. His sophomore season was highlighted by a game winning interception returned for a touchdown against Louisville. He would earn Big East Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance in that game. Wilson led the Big East in tackles and was named to the All-Big East First Team during both his junior and senior seasons. He scored his third career touchdown off of a tipped pass against South Florida. It was the only touchdown the Huskies scored in the victory, and helped them clinch their first trip to a BCS bowl game.

Professional career
After his senior season, Wilson was invited to play in the Senior Bowl where he was fourth on the north team with six tackles. In preparation for the 2011 NFL Draft, Wilson was also invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.

Lawrence Wilson was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the 6th Round (166th Overall).

On September 5th, he was signed to the Carolina Panthers' Practice Squad.

On November 2, 2011, Wilson was stopped by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol on Interstate 85 in Salisbury, North Carolina after being stopped for speeding. During the stop, the officer cited Wilson on charges of marijuana possession.