Shomari Dakari Lawrence (born November 28, 2001) is an American professional football running back for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for the South Dakota Coyotes, FIU Panthers and Missouri State Bears.
College career Lawrence played college football for the South Dakota Coyotes from 2020 to 2022, the FIU Panthers from 2023 to 2024 and the Missouri State Bears in 2025. He began his career for the FCS University of South Dakota, leading the team in rushing before sustaining a season-ending injury early on in his second year. After returning from injury, Lawrence was named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) All-Newcomer team and finished as the Coyote’s second-leading rusher with 597 yards on 107 carries with three touchdowns.
Following the 2022 season, Lawrence transferred to Florida International University and was a starter in 2023, recording 566 yards and four touchdowns along with eight receptions for 47 yards. His role was significantly scaled back in 2024, only rushing for 177 yards. Lawrence transferred after the season, landing at Missouri State University.
Lawrence had career year in 2025 rushing 199 times for 1,021 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 19 catches for 119 yards. Against his former team, FIU, he rushed for 104 yards and two touchdowns in a 28–21 win. Lawrence earned second-team All-Conference USA honors.
Professional career
After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL draft, Lawrence signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) as an undrafted free agent. He made his debut against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the first game of the season, rushing eight times for 63 yards, including two 13 yards runs in overtime to secure the win and recorded three receptions for seven yards.
Career statistics LegendBoldCareer high
College YearTeamGamesRushingReceiving2020South Dakota20294.5000—02021South Dakota40331604.9167712.802022South Dakota1111075975.63141359.612023FIU12101255664.548475.902024FIU81471773.81111.002025Missouri State13121991,0215.17191186.20Career50245132,5304.916483787.91
References
External links Montreal Alouettes bio South Dakota Coyotes bio FIU Panthers bio Missouri State Bears bio