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Ranking the 50 best college football players for 2016

By Connor Muldowney

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 /

Coming out of high school as the nation’s top weak-side defensive end, it was clear that Carl Lawson was going to have a solid career at Auburn. Although the Tigers were going to be under the leadership of new coach Gus Malzahn, they knew there was talent already in place to compete right away.

And compete they did as the Tigers dominated in Malzahn’s first year, winning the SEC title after thrilling victories over Georgia and Alabama in the regular season, capped off by a title game win against a surprising Missouri squad. The Tigers went on to lose the national title game against Jameis Winston and Florida State despite leading 21-3 early on.

Lawson was a big reason as to why the Tigers’ defense was so impressive that year. The Freshman All-American recorded 20 total tackles, 7.5 for loss and four sacks for the national runner-up.

The unfortunate news struck the would-be sophomore prior to the 2014 season as he missed the entire year due to a torn ACL. Returning to full health as a redshirt sophomore in 2015, Lawson looked to get back to his successful ways, but he suffered a crack hip which limited him to appearances in just seven games. He finished with 17 tackles, three for loss and a sack.

The sophomore was named a team captain prior to the 2015 season so that shows that he has the respect of the coaching staff and his teammates. He also has all the talent in the world so if he can stay healthy, he might just be the SEC’s comeback player of the year and an All-American.

Next: 35. Armani Watts

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