*Lane Ready to Kick at Professional Level

Brent · (This post was last modified: 09-17-2017, 12:57 PM by jparks98.)

[Image: 5cc84d32-268f-414c-83ff-79ec4c759b38.jpg]

Lane kicks a field goal during his senior year at Kansas State
ANDOVER, KS -

As the sun sets on a beautiful day in Andover, Kansas, a small suburb outside of Wichita, you can often find Brent Lane on his middle school football field, usually kicking, with a small group of friends. However, when Lane stepped onto the field for the first time, he wasn't even close to kicking.

"I played OL and DL in middle school. I was a big guy, so I had never really considered kicking or anything like that."

Even in high school, Lane didn't think about kicking for the first few years. He didn't suit up for Andover until his junior year, not even freshman or JV games.

He took an interest in kicking midway through his sophomore year and worked hard with the guidance of a friend to become a solid kicker. By the time Lane's junior year rolled around, he was making 45-50 yard kicks with ease.

"When he came out for the team and told me he wanted to kick, I was skeptical. He soon proved me wrong by nailing a 50 yarder to start practice. I knew right then that we had something special on our hands." said Lane's coach at Andover

He found success on the field that year, making 14 of 16 field goals and 25 of 26 PATs. Several D1 colleges, including Kansas State, came calling after his successful year.

"As soon as Bill Snyder and KSU called, it was basically over. Getting the chance to kick for my childhood team was an amazing opportunity and I'm so glad it happened." Lane said

He followed up the excellent junior campaign with an even better senior one - 18/18 FGs, including a 54 yard game winner, and 31 of 31 on PATs. The perfect season drew even more college attention, but Lane stayed loyal to the Wildcats.

"I've got to be honest, when teams like Auburn and Florida State came calling I was thinking about reopening my recruitment. However, the fact that Coach Snyder believed in me from the beginning was a big factor in my commitment." the KSU graduate said.

Lane had an excellent career at Kansas State as both a punter and a kicker, racking up a 87% FG percentage which still ranks in the top 5 of all time. The Andover native also picked up 6 B12 Special Teams Player of the Week Awards, 2 Special teams Player of the Year trophies, and a National Kicker of the Year honor in his senior season.

"That all really means a lot to me. I started kicking really really late compared to most guys, so to have all my efforts pay off into all those awards was truly amazing."

Many scouts believe he can enter the league and be a productive kicker from day 1. He agrees, citing his excellent college career.

"You know, I really believe I can come in and be a franchise kicker for a team from the start. My great college career really says a lot and I hope teams can look at that. I'd be ecstatic to start on the NSFL level but of course playing in the DSFL would be fine too. I'll be happy wherever I go. I'm just ready to start my journey."

Many teams have shown interest in Lane and the current favorites seem to be the Legion and the Pythons.

"Like I said earlier, I'll go anywhere man. I'm just happy to have the opporunity to live out my dream and play pro football. Really looking forward to this."

The young kicker will likely be a starter wherever he goes - DSFL or NSFL.

EDIT: Up to 605 words.

GRADED

Archon · 09-12-2017, 09:54 PM

I think you've got a great career ahead of you, especially if you keep putting out quality media like this. Best of luck in the DSFL and we'll see you as a first or second round NSFL pickup next season.