Manny Lawson attended Eastern Wayne High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina where he played football and was a member of the track team. As a senior Lawson rushed for 456 yards. On defense he totaled 54 tackles and 11 sacks, earning conference defensive player of the year honors. Manny accepted a scholarship to North Carolina State where he became an instant star on their special teams unit. He led the nation with 3 blocked punts on the season and was named the team’s most valuable specialist for the 2002 season. He received the “most dominant” award for his performance during spring practices in 2003. As a sophomore Lawson was once again a special teams ace, blocking two punts and returning another blocked punt for a touchdown. He was named special teams player of the year for his performance. On defense Lawson was a reserve outside linebacker for the most part, although he did start two games as a sophomore. He finished the season with 53 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Lawson also participated in track at N.C. State, where he competed in the long jump, triple jump, and hurdles. In 2004 he won the ACC championship in the long jump event. Lawson, who had moved to defensive end prior to the bowl game his sophomore year, was named the team’s most improved defensive lineman at the conclusion of practices during the spring of 2004. He also received the defensive leadership award. In his first season as a fulltime starter, Lawson was named second team all-ACC as a junior. He finished the season with 50 tackles, 7 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. As a senior, Lawson set career highs for tackles and sacks with 58 and 10 ½ respectively. He also forced one fumble on the season.

Manny Lawson is a versatile player who has played both outside linebacker and defensive end during his time at N.C. State. He has gone against some of the best competition in the nation playing in the ACC. He has an extremely quick step and long arms which help him get past opposing offensive linemen. He is a great pass rusher who has good closing speed getting to the quarterback. He is a fundamentally sound tackler who makes a lot of plays in the backfield and has the speed to chase the ball carrier down from behind. His height combined with a vertical leap that is off the charts allows him to knock down a lot of passes at the line. He is a smart player with good instincts who has a real nose for the football. He is athletic enough to drop back into coverage and is one of the strongest players on the N.C. State team. Manny is also an outstanding special teams player who excels at blocking punts and kicks. He is a very hard worker who leads by example. Manny lacks the size to hold up against the run and will need to bulk up in order to play defensive end at the professional level. He could switch to outside linebacker where he would be an excellent fit in a 3-4 defensive scheme. Manny Lawson has a great deal of upside and is sure to be a first day pick in the 2006 NFL draft. How high on the first day has yet to be determined but he should have outstanding workout numbers with his combination of strength, speed, and leaping ability.