By Mark Robinson
Zayvion Lawson, award winning running back at Greenbrier East High School, has announced he will attend West Virginia University, and play football for the Mountaineers.
“I made up my mind at the beginning of February. I knew National Signing Day was coming up; I delayed a little so my whole family could be there. I made the announcement Friday.”
Zayvion is the son of Eddie and Colette Lawson, from Lewisburg.
“I went up to Morgantown last week, and talked about details. The first time I went up was when West Virginia played a football game against Oklahoma State. I knew then that I had a preferred walk-on, if I wanted it. They’re only taking three walk-ons to summer camp.”
The title “preferred walk-on” indicates the attitude of the football staff to the student. This is someone they have looked at, and they hope will contribute to the team. A normal walk-on is anyone who decides to try out for the football team, in spite of the fact that the coaches may never have heard of him before.
Lawson piled up a lot of yards, and turned a lot of heads, as he ran the ball for Greenbrier East last season.
“I visited some other schools the last few months, just to be sure. But I’m headed for West Virginia,” he said.
When asked about any other running backs who have signed with WVU, Lawson replied he’s only aware of one, a Junior College running back who won a player of the year honor.That would be Justin Crawford, a four star recruit from Northwest Mississippi Community College. Other running backs to commit to WVU this year as incoming freshmen are Martell Pettaway, 5-9, 185 lbs, from Detroit, MI, and Kennedy McKoy, 5-10, 190 lbs, from Lexington, NC. Wendell Smallwood, a mainstay in the WVU backfield this past year, has declared for the NFL draft in April, leaving a hole the coaching staff must fill quickly.
Lawson will live in Oakland Dormitory, with other football players, and his roommate will be Jerry Mann, a friend from Greenbrier County.
His high school coach, Ray Lee, was pleased with developments. “Whether it’s WVU or not, you want all of your player to go to the next level, to extend their playing careers. Whether Division 1, Division 2, or Division 3, that should be the goal. Zayvion has an unbelievable work ethic. He strives to be better each time he goes out on the field, and in the weight room. He has a good work ethic about him,” said Mann
Zayvion Lawson (right) and his high school coach Ray Lee, share a little humor in the gym of Greenbrier East High School. Lawson has announced he will further his football career with the WVU Mountaineers. (Mark Robinson photo)