Interview: 4-Star 2022 California OLB/TE Sterling Lane Preparing for Season with Oaks Christian
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
While the future may be amazingly bright for Class of 2022 outside linebacker/defensive end Sterling “Deuce” Lane, the same cannot be said for opposing California squads. The 6-3, 245-pound, four-star recruit tore apart the competition at Maranatha High School a season ago coming up with 66 stops, 31 solo, 17 tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, 10 quarterback hurries, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries. He also split time on offense for the Minutemen playing tight end showing every down capability with four receptions taken for 173 yards with three scores. The 2020 season for Lane will be much the same playing outside linebacker and tight end, but he will be doing so at California powerhouse Oaks Christian.
With six offers dropped, college football programs across the country will continue to track Lane’s progress against Division 1/2 teams throughout the 2020 schedule. For an update on how he is preparing for another season under the spotlight, we sat down for a quick Q&A.
*Click link for Dec. 2, 2019, RNG interview with Sterling Lane
Interview
Sterling, we last spoke at the end of your sophomore season talking about your roles on both sides of the ball. Since then you have transferred to Oaks Christian, how will your new coaches utilize your talents on the field this season?
“For defense it will be the same thing, use my speed off the edge creating havoc in the other team’s backfield. For offense, we have not talked about that but I am sure it will be the same kind of thing, block, catch that short pass route, and work the seam.”
What have you been working on this spring as a defender?
“Mainly my pass rush moves, my get off, and trying to be more explosive. I’ve been working on my legs to be more explosive and faster, and I’ve been getting back into conditioning.”
And on offense what have you been working on with your game?
“I’ve been going out running routes with some buddies, but not too much though.”
This spring what has been your workout routine?
“I have a couple of trainers, one for my get off and pass rush moves and with my other trainer we go run hills and do speed and agility. I just got dumb bells and a bench in the backyard, I am lifting too.”
With recruiting, how many offers have been given to you?
“Six.”
Lane’s Offer Sheet: Kansas, LSU, Michigan, Missouri, Oregon, and Utah
Coming up, are there any visits you may take?
“My dad and I are talking about visiting Mizzou and Oregon.”
After the time away from the game this spring, what has you excited to get back at it this summer with your teammates preparing for the 2020 schedule?
“I am ready to hit – I am ready to go back and hit. I really like to hit people. Also, being around my brothers pushing each other and competing. I have been missing all aspect of football.”
Spoken like true linebacker. Sterling, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts until we talk again.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Sterling Lane at the 2020 CA Under Armour Regional