Interview: 4-Star 2022 DE Sterling Lane Sets Pac-12 Summer Officials Mixed with SEC Unofficial Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The old adage that defense travels was proven true once again during the 2020 California high school football season seeing Sterling Lane pick up the dominating ways with a new team. Over the offseason, Lane transferred from Maranatha in Pasadena to Oaks Christian in Westlake Village. In the Lions’ five-game season, the 6-4, 235-pound, end/outside linebacker got after it stopping 34 plays, 19 solo, with seven tackles for a loss, five sacks, seven QB hurries, a PBU, and one fumble recovery. Now he is ready to take his show on the road competing against other top talents at college camps from around the country.
The four-star recruiting status and 15 offers in-hand is not enough for the Class of 2022 prospect. Lane continues to push his game forward with offseason workouts and is ready to put his four-star status to the test at various college camps this summer earning any new offers the hard way. With camp dates down on the schedule, Lane has his first three official visits set with a deep look into SEC territory on unofficial visits.
Interview
Sterling, you were coming into a new defense at Oaks Christian for the 2020 season and ended up leading the team, or was near the top, in just about every major statistical category. Making that transition, how do you feel the season went in that new scheme?
I think it went pretty good. I feel like what helped me was my preparation going in getting the defense down and knowing my role. My coach helped give me tips and helped with my assignments, it was executing after that.
What scheme were you guys running during the season and what was your role within the defense?
We played a 4-3, a 3-4 sometimes. My role was mainly with a hand in the dirt, I stood up sometimes. I was reading run and shedding blocks. I showed that I can play the run very well this season instead of just going after the quarterback.
In which game did you turn in your top performance of the season?
Against Paraclete, that and Upland.
Why did you pick those two games?
I was getting after the quarterback and wreaking havoc. I brought the intensity to the team. It felt good in both games.
When the 2021 season gets going, what roles will you be taking on? Are you doing anything different?
Right now, I am not sure. I feel that I will do most of the same things, I will just be a lot stronger and faster making a bigger impact than this season.
With the five-game spring season behind you, off your strength and weaknesses, what are you working on preparing for the 2021 schedule?
For this next season I am working on losing weight. The quarantine pounds, I am losing them. I want to get to 230 or 235 for next season and get back to how I was playing before. I am focusing on getting faster and stronger to be even more dominating this year.
What are some of the exercises you are doing to increase your strength, speed, and stamina?
A lot of weight lifting and speed training with my coach to get faster. My dad is pushing me to do cardio to lose weight; that will help for next season. I am doing a lot with my technique focusing on being a bigger and better player.
Are you working on any new moves?
As they say, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I am working on the same moves right now.
Are you going to any college camps this summer?
I am taking my first three official visits and a bunch unofficial visits. I will be attending an FSU mega camp and an A&M camp. All of June is time to work and show colleges what I am made of. I will show that I can play at a top D-I program.
With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?
Georgia is sending some love. Boise State, I have been talking to them again. Some of the coaches at USC and Washington have been showing interest and I have been talking a little bit with UCLA. Those are the main ones.
How many offers do you have now?
I have 15.
Lane’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Oregon State, Southern University, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington State
You mentioned taking your first three official visits, which schools are you going to visit this summer?
For my officials, I am visiting Arizona, Oregon State, and Colorado. On my unofficial visits, I am going to LSU, Alabama, Baylor, Georgia, A&M, Auburn, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Arkansas. My family and I are thinking about going to Oregon too.
Sterling, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you the best of luck at the camps and with all your visits.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Lane family; Sterling Lane