—Submitted Photo st. edmond senior Nick Lawler (left) stands with his brother, Zach, and sister, Abby, during a Cyclone football game this fall. Lawler will join the Iowa State football program later this year.

AMES — In the end, Nick Lawler went back to his roots.

Lawler, a St. Edmond senior, officially announced his plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall and continue his football career.

The 6-foot-5, 310-pound Lawler decided on the Cyclones over the University of Northern Iowa and Minnesota State University.

“I chose Iowa State because, in the end, they had the most to offer me that would better my future while there and afterwards,” Lawler told The Messenger in an exclusive interview. “It is still surreal and shocking, but also very exciting.

“I just can’t wait to see what happens in the future.”

A four-year starter for the Gaels on both the offensive and defensive lines, Lawler recorded 51 tackles including three solo stops for loss and a sack this past year.

St. Edmond recorded over 1,800 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 offensive touchdowns this past year with Lawler leading the way.

“First I would like to thank God for letting me live out my dreams of playing college football,” Lawler posted on social media with his announcement. “Second I would like to thank my parents and siblings for helping me along the way, and finally I would like to thank all other family, friends and coaches that have supported me throughout this journey, I wouldn’t have been able to (do) this without your help.”

Lawler picked up Class A, District 2 Lineman of the Year honors this year, along with being named all-district and third team all-state status.

“It’s great to finally see that all of the long hours of training, practices and camps pay off,” he said. “It is just one of those satisfying things. You work so hard for something and when it finally pays off, it feels amazing.”

While some find the recruiting process to be too much to handle, Lawler actually went through it with open arms.

“It is long and sometimes stressful, but I have loved every bit of it,” he said. “You get to meet a lot of great coaches and people, and see a lot of great programs.”

Lawler also received preferred walk-on offers from Missouri Western State University and Culver-Stockton College, taking in several game day visits during the past year. He also earned an invite to the National Combine hosted by Football University.

Timeout with Nick Lawler

It would surprise people that: I took piano lessons for 5 years

Sports role model: Sean Flaherty. He always pushed himself to be the best and he took me under his wing and started pushing me at a young age. I wanted that exact attitude because I knew it would help me succeed in life.

Everyday role model: My Dad. He is a hard working down to earth man that I aspire to be like when I am older.

I can’t go a day without: eating.

Superstition: I always had to eat Jimmy John’s with my brother before every game.

Most heated rivalry: Manson NW.

Favorite road trip: Driving to Texas with my family.

Listening to right now: Good Time by Niko Moon.

Favorite class: Any Math classes.

Favorite movie: Remember the Titans.

Favorite phone app: Twitter.