Lawrence Timmons attended Wilson High School in Florence, South Carolina where he played tight end and linebacker on the football team. As a junior, Lawrence caught 42 passes for 680 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense while racking up 95 tackles and 4 sacks on defense. He earned all-state honors for his play as a junior. As a senior, Lawrence caught 47 passes for over 800 yards and 5 touchdowns. On defense he totaled 150 tackles and 2 sacks on his way to being named South Carolina’s defensive player of the year. He was named first team all-state at the conclusion of the season. Following the season, Lawrence participated in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas (North Carolina vs. South Carolina). He was recruited by Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Georgia, but he opted to attend Florida State instead. He saw action in all 12 games as a reserve linebacker his true freshman season, finishing with 12 stops on the year. He was named “top newcomer” by the coaching staff following spring practices in 2005. As a sophomore, Lawrence served primarily as Ernie Sims’ backup on the strong side. He also saw time as a situational pass rusher from the defensive end position. He finished the season with 35 tackles and 3 sacks. He also forced 2 fumbles and blocked two punts on special teams. Lawrence took over the starting strong side linebacker position following Ernie Sims’ departure to the NFL in 2006. He responded with 79 tackles, 5 sacks, and his first career interception. He was named honorable mention all-ACC following his junior season. Lawrence still has another year of eligibility remaining; however, he has opted to skip his senior season to enter the 2007 NFL draft.

Lawrence Timmons took over at strong side linebacker last year after they Seminoles lost Ernie Sims to the NFL. Timmons has a good combination of size, speed, and athleticism for a linebacker. He is an aggressive player with the range to make plays all over the field. He is an effective pass rusher with good closing speed getting to the quarterback. He has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs coming out of the backfield. He can be a bit overaggressive at times, causing him to miss the occasional open field tackle. He is a bit on the slim side and he will have problems getting off blocks at times. He would benefit from bulking up and increasing his strength at the next level. He only has one full year of starting experience under his belt and he still has some improvements to make when it comes to technique. Lawrence Timmons is a versatile player who saw action at strong side linebacker and defensive end at Florida State. Due to his lack of bulk and strength, he projects as a weak side linebacker in the NFL. He would’ve benefited from staying in school for his senior season, but his potential cannot be ignored. He has a ton of upside and should be a first or second round pick in the 2007 NFL draft.