N.C. A&T wide receiver, Desmond Lawrence, has been signed by the Cincinnati Bengals. Lawrence, recorded 42 passes for 386 yards and two touchdowns this past season. Lawrence had an average of 22.1 yard from kickoff returns. During his junior year, Lawrence caught 38 passes for 403 yards and three touchdowns out of the 11 games he played in. Lawrence was an undrafted free agent receiver. He spent part of the organized team activities as a free agent with Detroit. Lawrence was initially signed by the Detroit Lions in May, but was released a few days later. The Bengals wanted more speed at the receiver position after wide receiver, James Wright was injured. Last season’s injuries hurt the receiving group in Cincinnati. During Pro Day in April, Lawrence ran the 40-yard dash in 4.35 and 4.38 seconds. He did the 20-yard short shuttle in 4.25 seconds, the three-cone drill in 6.93 seconds. Lawrencce also recorded 18 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Lawrence also registered a 34 ½-inch vertical jump and a 9’10” broad jump. At the NCAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore. in June. He finished seventh in the 100-meter dash, then ran a 10.24 100-meter dash two days after running a career high of 10.12 to qualify for the final. Lawrence proving he could take his spot on the 53-man roster, signed on Thursday, per Cincinnati Enquirer. It seems as if the Bengals wanted Lawrence more for his speed and returner ability. Training camp started on Tuesday, August 4th for the Bengals. N.C. A&T sends its best wishes to Lawrence as he starts his new career with the NFL. — AW