Lawrence attended Magnolia Heights High School, where he was a two-way player at quarterback, linebacker and defensive back.
As a senior, he was selected to the All-state second-team at linebacker and the Mississippi Association of Private Schools All-star team.
Lawrence accepted a football scholarship from Mississippi State University as an undersized player without a clear position.
As a true freshman, he appeared in all 12 games, making 14 defensive tackles, while focusing on the kick coverage units.
[1] Lawrence was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after the 2013 NFL draft.
His brother Addison was an offensive lineman at Mississippi State before being waived by the Baltimore Ravens in 2012.