Lane is a 6-3, 220, Freshman linebacker from Oaks Christian HS, St. Louis, MO. Last year he had 82 tackles, 24 for a loss, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles while playing defensive end. He will be in the linebacker rotation and could be a starter by the end of the season. Here is Brandon Combs analysis from AZDS:
Coach Hunley on Lane:Lane is a disruptive, explosive force off the edge.
He is solidly built but runs like a defensive back. He is relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback and ball carrier. His statline shows it. To go with his sacks and TFLs, he also has 26 QB hurries to his name. Example: around a minute and a half into his highlights it shows Lane fly off the corner unblocked, chase the running back 20 yards downfield, and still make a tackle.
To go with his explosiveness, he has his strength. Lane is a strong kid, no other way to put it. There are many instances that he will explode off the snap and make it into the backfield in a hurry and the QB will stop to shake Lane’s pursuit as he runs by them. Even still, he manages to get his hand on them and hold on no problem. It’s quite impressive. Bottom line, he gets his hands on you and it’s over.
He uses that power and speed to deliver hard hits. The very first play in his highlights show him speed around the o-line and blow up a running back. The next play, he is able to shed his block easily, snag the QB moving in the opposite direction by the jersey, and slam him down.
Lane is exactly the type of player that Arizona needs on the defensive side of the ball. His toolset is something that his been missing in Tucson for some time. He also brings a mean streak and aggression to his game that reminds me of the Desert Swarm days. He gives Ricky Hunley a solid piece to work with.
Lane talks Arizona recruiting: