Interview: Unofficial Visits Were Set for 4-Star 2022 OLB Sterling Lane
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season was a flurry of activity on the field for Sterling Lane. The super sophomore was a force for Maranatha’s defense wrecking 66 plays with 17 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. Beyond playing outside linebacker for the Minutemen, Lane got action on offense at tight end working in the run game and as a developing target with four receptions covering 173 yards with three scores. The 6-3, 240-pound, talent has caught the attention of college programs. Twelve offers are on the table with interest continuing to flow his way. The four-star recruit was ready to take his recruiting process to the next level in October with unofficial visits planned, but due to NCAA rules, those visits will be tabled until 2021.
Over the offseason, Lane transferred from Maranatha to Oaks Christian. The change in venues will bring extra challenges his way and the potential for a bigger recruiting spotlight. The move ups the competition level from California’s Division 12 to Division 1/2.
To talk about it all, Lane returned to the RNG Lab for another one-on-one interview.
*Click link for June 19, 2020, RNG interview with Sterling Lane
Interview
Sterling, let’s jump into your offseason workouts. Which small details to your skillset have you been improving upon on defense?
Mainly my mechanics. I have been working on my rip on pass rush moves, my stab, footwork, and my hand placement. That is what I am working on so I can do it without thinking during the season.
Last we spoke you were going to get some snaps in at tight end this season. What have you been working on with that part of your game on offense?
I haven’t worked on that too much, mainly just footwork drills. I’m not sure what coach has instore for me at tight end this season.
Heading into the weight room with you. What workouts have we been doing to get stronger this summer?
Bench, squat, cleans, dumbbell bench, dumbbell raises, and core workouts. I have focused a lot on my upper body and legs. I am trying to get my arms stronger for the season.
What about your speed and agility? How have you worked to improve upon that?
Every Saturday, our defensive coordinator has a beach day workout for two hours. We work on speed and agility doing ladders in the sand and work on our get-offs. On the other days, I am at practice or lifting. Our 7v7 coach, Coach Rob, has a treadmill we run on. He puts it at a certain speed, we have to keep that speed for 14 to 16 seconds – all at a top speed to build our speed.
As you add more muscle and work on getting faster, do you have a weight goal you want to play at for the season?
Yes, I want to be somewhere between 230 to 235.
With the workouts put in, where are you seeing the overall improvements?
I have increased my speed and I am lifting more than before. I am lifting heavier and doing more reps.
What’s the practice schedule for Oaks Christian going forward?
We are practicing two days a week. This week, we are practicing on Monday and Thursday.
As you guys prepare for the 2020 season, what all are you doing?
We have it set up where the offense runs plays, then defensive and offensive linemen work together. They have us in pod groups. Some of us are on one side and everyone else is on the other side. The freshman, the new guys have a spot on the other side of the field too.
Your recruiting is rocketing forward. How many offers do you have now?
Twelve.
Lane’s Offer Sheet: Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, Southern University, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington State
Wow. That’s awesome.
Thank you.
Which teams were the last couple to offer?
The last couple were Washington State and Southern University.
Which programs are showing interest?
Cal, UCLA, USC, Washington, Notre Dame, and Penn State.
This summer, did you take any virtual visits?
Yes, I did. I took one to Mizzou and one to Oregon.
On the Mizzou visit, what did they show you?
They showed me the campus, the locker room, the weight room, the rehab center, and the field.
Whenever visits in-person may be allowed again, where are you with the visits you’d like to take?
The plan was next month going to Oregon, Missouri, Notre Dame, and Michigan. I was going to be on a flight each weekend. That was the plan all along, but the NCAA, they stopped all college visits until 2021.
Sterling, I appreciate your time today catching us up on your workouts and recruiting. Keep the grind going.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Lane family; Sterling Lane