Everything turning out just Goldie for Seminole with Darren Lawrence
Goldie Lawrence predicted this.
He said this summer that with Sanford Seminole’s No. 1 receiver Jimmy Horn graduated and off to USF, that would open a door for the Seminoles’ next star.
Meet Darren “Goldie” Lawrence.
Lawrence, 6-foot-2 and 190 pounds, said he would be that star and everything is coming to fruition. He had just 10 catches for 240 yards and three touchdowns last season as Seminole went undefeated to win the Florida Class 8A state title.
When asked why his production was limited, Lawrence had one word.
“Jimmy,” he laughed.
Well, Jimmy is gone, and Seminole has struck Goldie this season. Lawrence can do plenty and the ‘Noles will make sure opponents can’t sit back and lock in on him as a receiver.
Lawrence showed what he can do in the Kickoff Classic game at perennial powerhouse Jones. He caught eight balls for 120 yards and two touchdowns as the teams battled to a 14-14 tie.
That gaveSarasota Riverview an idea of things to come, but the Seminole coaching staff was ready for the regular-season opener. Riverview could not contain him in the Wildcat formation. Seminole calls it “Bokey.”
Lawrence lined up as the quarterback and took three snaps for short touchdowns as Seminole pulled away 35-6.
Lawrence has been ready for this season and most of those familiar with the Seminole program know this is just a glimpse of things to come from the junior.
“I feel good ... I like [the No. 1 receiver role] a lot,” Lawrence said. “I’ve always felt like I was a top guy.
“But I actually thought I’d be better.”
His relationship with new quarterback Luke Rucker, who transferred in from Oviedo, gets better every day.
“We’ve got a really good connection and relationship. We’re like best friends,” Lawrence said. “I like the way he delivers the ball. It just comes straight in my pocket, straight in my hands.
“He’s about what I expected because we played [Oviedo] my freshman year. He’s gotten way better.”
Recruiting has picked up for Lawrence, who has eight Football Bowl Subdivision scholarship offers from Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Louisville, USF, FAU, Buffalo and Pittsburgh.
The one team he’d like to see an offer from is UCF.
“Of course I would. They’re like the hometown team,” Lawrence said.
Seminole will be looking for a state title repeat in 2021 and Lawrence sees big things.
“We can be better than last year,” Lawrence said. “I just feel like we’re better at different positions.”
Seminole also will be in its second season with head coach Eric Lodge, and the familiarity with him in charge will help as well.
“He just lets you play your game,” Lawrence said. “He’s a cool guy.”
