Interview: Transfer for Speedy 2019 WR Chase Lane Means more Trips to End Zone in 2017
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
When the universe presents a golden opportunity, one should take it. After flashing elite speed and playmaking abilities for College Park High School during the 2016 season, Class of 2019 receiver Chase Lane is making a move in the off-season that should guarantee a rise in production on the field and up recruiting boards.
Lane set the stage for what should be a breakout junior season in 2016. The 6-1, 184 pound, receiver caught 42 passes for 415 yards with four scores and added touches in the run game covering 47 more yards with another trip to the end zone. The Cavaliers also used him on special teams seeing him return nine kickoffs for 134 yards and six punts for 82 yards.
When the Friday Night Lights are their brightest during the 2017 schedule in Texas, Lane will be playing for a different school – St. Pius X. The Houston area squad went 11-1 last season blistering the competition for 584 total points scored. The Panthers engineer in the pocket was another top Class of 2019 talent, Grant Gunnell. Gunnell hit 70 percent of his passes racking up 4,973 yards in his aerial assault connecting for 65 touchdowns. The top two receivers on the squad were Bryson Jackson and Jacob Jefferson. Jackson pulled in 69 passes for 1,607 yards with 21 scores and Jefferson accounted for 70 receptions for 1,274 yards with 15 touchdowns. Both Class of 2018 talents will be back. Adding another dangerous weapon to the game plan in Lane makes St. Pius one of the most potent passing attacks in the nation in 2017.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Lane covering his sophomore season, his upcoming transfer, and off-season workout goals.
Interview
Chase, have you transferred from College Park already?
“No, sir. I will be attending St. Pius in the fall. I will be there for summer workouts.”
How did your first season of Texas varsity football go for you?
“It was fun. After the second game of the season the team looked at me as a leader. I wanted to keep them energized throughout the season. I had to keep my head and make sure everyone was doing what they need to on the field.”
What were some of the aspects of the game that surprised you?
“Mostly the speed of the game. The difference was getting used to playing against bigger players that were 18-years-old and just adjusting to speed of the game.”
How did College Park use you in their offense?
“They used me on the outside. I was in the slot some. Mainly I would come in motion to take the handoff, but most of the time I was on the outside.”
How did you step your game up during the season?
“In my opinion, my release off press coverage improved. I was able to create space and make moves after the catch to gain more yards.”
How will St. Pius X High School use you in their offense?
“Coach (Stephen) Hill and Grant (Gunnell) have said they will use me mostly on the outside but I will play slot if they need me to.”
What are you working on this off-season?
“I’m working on my footwork and my hands. I’m throwing with Grant during the off-season. I want to compete for a state championship this year.”
What is the best 40-yard dash time you have posted?
“A 4.43 laser last summer. We did it at school on a turf field.”
Which schools are already showing interest in you?
“Texas A&M is showing a little. I just attended their Junior Day. I’m visiting SMU on Feb. 28 for an unofficial visit. Houston is showing some love too. I was there two weeks ago. Washington State is showing interest. I have talked to one of their coaches. On March 19, I am visiting LSU and Tulane.”
Did you take any game day visits during the 2016 season?
“Yes, sir. I went to UT (Texas) for a game. They invited me to the game against Notre Dame. I went to Houston for their game against South Florida and I went to A&M for their game against Ole Miss.”
How did your Junior Day visit with A&M go?
“I loved it. I had a great time. I knew it was a recruiting pitch but I loved it. They said they would love to have me and Grant up there in a couple of years.”
Do you know which camps you will attend coming up?
“I’ll attend a SMU camp in March and I’m going to an A&M camp in the summer. I’m going to the Under Armour All-American camp in March. I just went to the Nike Opening in Houston. I’m going to a Rivals camp on March 12 as well.”
What are your off-season goals?
“I just want to get bigger, work on my upper body strength to go against corners, and lower my 40 from a 4.4 to a high 4.3.”
Are you playing other sports for College Park?
“Yes, sir. Basketball and track.”
Which track events?
“The 100, 200, 4×1, 4×2, and the 4×4 for fun.”
Which is your best event?
“I feel like I am good in all of them but if I had to pick one I would pick the 200 meters.”
What is your personal best in the 200?
“Last year I ran a 21.8.”
What is your favorite subject in school?
“My favorite subject is world history. I love learning about our past and where we came from.”
What is your favorite thing to do away from sports and school?
“I like to hang out with my friends. Most of my friends are teammates. We get together and play a lot of Madden. I also like to hang out with my family.”
Chase, thanks for your time today and good luck with your upcoming visits and camps.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Woodlands Online; No. 2 Chase Lane fights for more yards (2016).
Photo credit: Woodlands Online; No. 2 Chase Lane pre-game warmups (2016).
Photo credit: Lane family; Chase Lane at Texas A&M (Feb. 2017).