Interview: Maranatha Developing a Breakout Star in 2022 OLB/DE Sterling Lane
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If you are a die-hard football geek like me, then you love watching reel on players seeing what they do well and what they need to improve upon. It is exciting coming across young talent at the high school level that are starting to put it all together, that is a quick summation of the season Class of 2022 Maranatha outside linebacker/end Sterling Lane produced in 2019.
The development of Lane into a must-scheme-against defender shows when watching tape. The 6-3, 215-pound, talent did more than use his quick get-off and speed to impact the game, he incorporated the nuances of the game along with technique to become a better player. The result was a 66-tackle season with 31 solo stops, 17 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 10 QB hurries, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Adding to his athletic resume, Lane also lined up at tight end for the Minutemen working primarily as a glorified extra tackle, but impacted games when called upon in the aerial attack hauling in four for 173 yards with three trips into the end zone.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I caught up with Lane after his sophomore campaign covering ground on his 2019 growth with a look ahead to his offseason workouts.
Interview
Sterling, you have a unique position on defense with the Minutemen in the way that the coordinator lines up the ends in a four-front. Before we get into all that you do on the field, if you will, talk to me about the base defense and role in the scheme?
“My role in the base defense is coming off the edge as a speed rusher. That is mainly my job and to impact the game – to wreck it.”
Mission accomplished. Your alignment forces the tackle to make a decision staying in tight or kicking out to come get you which leaves you opportunities and openings. It also allows you to read/react contain or rush. How were offenses scheming against you during the 2019 season?
“They would take their running back to my side, especially if I beat the tackle. The running back would come get me and sometime they had two linemen, with the guard, blocking me at the same time.”
Going up against all of that, not getting a whole lot of one-on-one looks, how did your overall game improve last season?
“It improved a lot. My pass rushing improved so did my technique, reading offenses, learning how to break down film and putting that information into practice. Reading offensive schemes, tendencies, and tackles was a big improvement this season.”
What were some of the moves and techniques you used to get into the pocket?
“A lot of dips and rips, hand techniques, and setting up the tackle on the inside going outside and vice versa. The speed rush is always there when I need it.”
Now, you also got some time in on offense hauling in four passes with three touchdowns scored. With that average, do you ever whisper into the ear of the offensive coordinator about you being a weapon that needs more touches?
(Laughs) “Yes. I was happy at end, but being an asset on offense felt good. My coach worked me in at tight end, you saw the results.”
In all seriousness, what was your overall role on offense during the 2019 season?
“My role was mainly to block and be able to catch the seam route, five and outs, and to be a blocking body. I am good at blocking. They put me in to make it easier on our running back and to be a big target for my quarterback.”
Which side of the ball do you like playing more than the other?
“Defense.”
We are putting on the game tape from 2019, which game of yours are we watching because it was your best performance?
“My best game was, I had two of them, my best defensive game was against Pasadena. I had 15 to 17 tackles in that game – I was wrecking people and getting in the backfield the whole time. Against Village Christian, I made big plays on offense. I had two crucial touchdowns in that game.”
The offseason is here, what are you focusing on with your workouts?
“My goal is to improve overall and workout getting stronger. I will do a lot of speed training and bench to get stronger. I will work on my pass rush techniques, working on getting to the QB, and plan on working on coverage a lot.”
We are way ahead of the curve here timeline wise, but do you plan on playing 7v7 this spring?
“Yes. I am planning on playing with Rharebreed.”
Are you training with Rharebreed already?
“I am.”
What are you working on with Rharbreed?
“Speed, getting my lower body stronger, and preparing for national combines.”
Are you playing any other sports for Maranatha?
“I play football, basketball and run track. This year, I am not playing basketball, but I am running track in the spring.”
Who all has impacted you on the field with football?
“In Minneapolis, I had a coach, Coach Ayo Iduwo, Coach LaVar Arrington, my youth football coaches and my dad.”
Sterling, thanks for your time today and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Danny Kim/Lane family; Sterling Lane 2019