Trevor Lawrence’s legendary high school football career: The stats, the highlights and the recruiting frenzy

By | January 21, 2023
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Trevor Lawrence is the youngest starting quarterback remaining in the playoffs, but he’s been under a spotlight longer than some of the others.

When Joe Burrow put together his historic Heisman Trophy season in 2019, Lawrence had already led Clemson to a national championship. Even when Patrick Mahomes took over as the Chiefs’ starter in 2018, Lawrence was on the national radar as a true freshman with the Tigers.

The Jaguars quarterback has been a national name dating back to his historic high school career, when he overpowered the competition and put himself in the early running to be a future No. 1 overall pick.

MORE: Trevor Lawrence says he ‘can’t imagine’ Arrowhead Stadium being louder than Jacksonville

Here’s all you need to know about Lawrence’s outstanding high school career and background.

Where did Trevor Lawrence go to high school?

Lawrence attended Cartersville High School in Georgia before heading to Clemson.

While Lawrence is already staking his claim as Cartersville’s most notable alumnus, the school has also produced former NFL running back Ronnie Brown, multiple MLB first-round picks, and a former Georgia governor. 

Lawrence was ranked as 247Sports’ No. 1 overall player in the 2018 recruiting class and committed to Clemson at the end of his junior season. 

Trevor Lawrence high school stats

Year Games Completion Rate Yards TD INT
2014 14 60.3% 3,053 26 7
2015 15 64.0% 3,655 43 4
2016 15 61.6% 3,904 51 9
2017 12 69.0% 3,204 41 1
Total 56 63.4% 13,902 161 21

Lawrence posted otherworldly numbers in high school, starting all four years and making a huge leap in his sophomore season. His record-setting prep career made him one of the most sought-after quarterback prospects in college football history.

Clemson landed Lawrence’s commitment at the end of his junior season, and he only added to the sky-high expectations by posting a 41-1 touchdown-interception ratio as a senior. 

MORE: Trevor Lawrence stats: How Jaguars QB has lived up to No. 1 overall draft pick billing in 2022

Ultimately, Lawrence would set the Georgia high school record and passing yards and passing touchdowns, both of which were previously held by another future Clemson QB, Deshaun Watson of Gainesville High School. 

Trevor Lawrence high school highlights

Lawrence was making pro-level throws as a teenager, so it’s no surprise he was able to lead Clemson to a national championship just a year after the end of his high school career.

Why did Trevor Lawrence choose Clemson?

Despite growing up as a fan of Tennessee football, Lawrence’s decision came down to Clemson and nearby Georgia.

When he narrowed his list to two, Lawrence told 247Sports that Clemson has “some good receivers coming in there,” adding that “they always recruit well at that position.”

The blue-chip prospect said he was comfortable with both schools and would fit in both offenses. Lawrence’s offensive weapons during his time at Clemson included Tee Higgins, Travis Etienne, Hunter Renfrow, Amari Rodgers, and Justyn Ross.

MORE: Trevor Lawrence celebrated Jaguars’ comeback playoff win vs. Chargers with trip to Waffle House

Lawrence’s commitment to Clemson coincided when the Tigers’ rise to the top of the college football mountain.

The program was coming off an appearance in the national title game when he narrowed his decision to Clemson and Georgia, and the Tigers won their first national championship three weeks after Lawrence’s commitment in December 2016. The success would only continue when Lawrence took over as a true freshman.

Georgia has since ascended the mountain, winning back-to-back national titles, but you can’t help but think the Bulldogs’ reign of dominance under Kirby Smart would’ve started even sooner if Lawrence was playing in Athens.

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