Carl Lawson not buying his own preseason hype

Oct 5, 2013; Auburn, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) is tackled by Auburn Tigers defensive end Carl Lawson (55) during the first half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

It has been over a year since Carl Lawson hit the field after sitting out last season due to an ACL tear. The Freshman All-American is tired of hearing praise of his offseason work and knows it means nothing if he doesn't have success on the field.

"I don't really care about any of stuff because I haven't played a game in a year and I haven't proven anything," Lawson said, according to AL.com. "When I get praised for doing stuff on the field, finally that's when I'll feel good about that stuff. Other than that, I just need to get better. Every mistake I do and everything I do on the field I see as a chance to get better. I don't take any praise from anything."

Lawson missed out on the defensive failures of last season. In fact, the last time the defensive end was on the field for a meaningful game, Auburn was playing for the National Championship against Florida State. Having just missed out on capturing the title, Lawson is eager to get back to work.

"I'm really excited to get back out there and test myself," Lawson said. "The praise doesn't need to be praised. The mistakes are what need to be talked about."

(h/t AL.com)