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SEC Football: Top 100 SEC players to watch in 2016

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 30-16. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive lineman Carl Lawson (55) walks on the sidelines during the first quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Carl Lawson 2015 Season Statistics

  • Games Played: 7
  • Tackles: 17
  • Tackles for Loss: 3
  • Sacks: 1
  • Interceptions: 0
  • Pass Breakups: 2
  • Forced Fumbles: 0
  • Fumble Recoveries: 0
  • Notable: Recorded only sack of 2015 in season opener against Louisville, but missed the following five games with a hip injury.

Auburn struggled defensively for the second straight season in 2015, which was a major reason why the Tigers failed to meet expectations for the second consecutive year. It’s no coincidence that 2015 was also the second year in a row that Auburn star defensive end Carl Lawson missed significant time due to injury.

Lawson sat out all of 2014 after tearing his ACL in the spring, and the lack of a consistent pass rush played a major role in the Tigers’ collapse in the second half of the season. Last year, Lawson was back in action and started with a bang by recording a sack in the season opener against Louisville, but he also suffered a hip injury that sidelined the 6-foot-2, 257-pound rising junior for six games.

Auburn ranked No. 13 in the league in total defense last season, having allowed an average of 405.2 total yards per contest. With Lawson on the sidelines, that number jumped to 434.8. However, with Lawson on the field, the Tigers improved to 379.9 total yards allowed on average, as James Crepea of AL.com pointed out in January.

The Tigers must replace five defensive starters from the 2015 unit, as well as defensive coordinator Will Muschamp and the majority of the defensive coaching staff. But, if Lawson can put together a complete, healthy season, Auburn could make significant strides in 2016.

Next: Tre'Davious White

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