Jerry Lawson might not look like the prototypical defensive tackle. Eric Morris doesn't particularly care.
As Oklahoma State prepares to return from its bye week against UCF, Lawson has emerged as one of the trusted pieces of the Cowboys' defense — earning starts and the respect of teammates with a relentless style that often shows up well beyond the middle of the defensive line.
"Jerry is a little undersized, but the attitude and the grit he plays with has been phenomenal," Morris said. "He's been great against the run. Someone we rely on who has earned his starts around here."
Lawson's path to Stillwater also gave him a head start in Oklahoma State's defensive system.
Before transferring to Louisville, Lawson played at Abilene Christian under current OSU defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity. When Lawson arrived at Oklahoma State, he was reunited with a coach — and terminology — he already knew.
"Pretty important because I still remember some of the plays we ran there," Lawson said of that familiarity. "He still has some of the plays that are the same name from ACU, and I'm like, 'Oh, I already knew that.' So it's just going out there and doing what I do."
The relationship goes beyond knowing the playbook.
"Having that connection and chemistry with him, he knows how I like to be coached and he knows how I'll play," Lawson said.
Morris believes that familiarity has helped Lawson become someone the Cowboys can trust.
"He's a guy we trust," Morris said. "Just a joy to be around every day and does it the right way. Comes out and practices his tail off, so I'm happy for Jerry."
His teammates see that work firsthand. Defensive back Quinton Hammonds said Lawson's ability to make plays outside the tackle box stands out, particularly considering his position.
"Someone of his size, you see him flying around the field and making plays," Hammonds said. "Attacks the perimeter. The tackles he makes along the sidelines — he's someone you love playing with, being in the backfield and seeing a defensive lineman play sideline to sideline."
And Lawson isn't only making life easier for Oklahoma State's defense. He's making practices considerably more difficult for the offense. Offensive lineman Joseph Hanson views that as a benefit.
"It's always a good challenge," Hanson said. "It's good to have that mentality — if you're always winning, then you're not getting better. Getting challenged by him always improves your skill level."
Running back Caleb Hawkins offered an even more colorful description.
"He makes it very chaotic every practice," Hawkins said. "We can't stress enough and take accountability for that. He's nowhere near close to me or Drew, so we always have to point him out and see he's a guy we don't want back here."
That mentality fits a player who says he's spent much of his career comfortable being overlooked.
It also fits an Oklahoma State team that has undergone a dramatic turnaround since its season-opening loss at Tulsa.
The Cowboys entered their matchup against then-No. 6 Oregon with plenty of outside doubt. They responded with a 39-31 upset before following it with wins over Murray State and West Virginia.
Lawson believes the Cowboys' growing chemistry has played a significant role.
"Team chemistry," Lawson said. "We all vibe with each other. In the locker room, outside of football."
And when almost everyone counted Oklahoma State out after Week 1, Lawson felt right at home.
"After Week 1, everyone doubted us going into Oregon and we said we have to prove these people wrong," Lawson said. "I like being doubted. Been that way my whole life. I know what it takes to surpass people."
That made what happened against Oregon particularly meaningful.
"Oregon win was a big blessing," Lawson said. "Not going to lie. Not many people can say, 'Hey, we beat Oregon.'"
Now the challenge is continuing it. Oklahoma State enters Saturday's matchup with UCF at 3-1 and ranked No. 18 in the AP Top 25. The Cowboys have gone from being doubted following their opening loss to becoming a nationally ranked team with growing expectations.
For Lawson, though, the formula doesn't have to change. Play with attitude. Play with grit.
And, as his teammates have learned every day in practice, create as much chaos as possible.
