LEWISVILLE, Texas – Lamar University rising senior Michael Lawson has been named to the Texas Football Magazine 2020 Preseason All-Texas Small College team announced publication officials Wednesday afternoon. The team brings together 26 student-athletes from 15 in-state institutions.
 
Lawson is one of eight Southland Conference players represented on the squad.
 
A 2019 first-team all-conference selection as both a defensive back and punt returner, Lawson was one of the league's most impactful players during his junior season. He tied for tops in the Southland in interceptions with five, a mark that also placed him eighth nationally. He also led the league averaging nearly 11 yards per punt return.
 
Lawson overcame injuries to lead the Cardinals with 94 tackles from his safety position, including 61 solo stops. He also recorded 8.5 tackles for losses to go along with seven passes defended, a fumble forced and a blocked kick. Lawson was key in helping the Cardinals secure an upset victory at Sam Houston State, in what turned out to be a defensive struggle.
 
Lawson finished the game against the Bearkats with a team-high 10 tackles and two interceptions. The first interception helped LU preserve a 7-7 score to force overtime on the road, while the second pick came in overtime to secure the victory.
 
One of 23 seniors on the Cardinals 2020 roster, Lawson enters the new season as one of the nation's top two-way threats on the field. He will open the year as a preseason All-Southland Conference selection.