Former explosive Freeport running back Lane earning spot in crowded SRU secondary
SLIPPERY ROCK — Get the ball in his hands and look out.
Freeport running back Ben Lane proved explosive enough to score touchdowns from anywhere on the field for the Yellowjackets last season. He wound up rushing for 1,075 yards and scored 21 touchdowns. His 114 points were enough to secure the Butler Eagle Scoring Trophy for most points produced among Butler County high school football players..
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound Lane remains as explosive as ever. He’s now a freshman at Slippery Rock University and hopes to get on the field for The Rock this year.
He just won’t be carrying the rock.
“We love him as a safety,” SRU coach Shawn Lutz said. “What’s not to love? His speed takes him from sideline to sideline, the kid loves to hit and he can cover fast receivers. The position is ideal for him.”
Lane is also seeing time on SRU’s punt coverage team. He may be returning punts and kickoffs at some point in his SRU career, but the team has those spots covered for the time being.
He may even find his way into The Rock’s offensive backfield in coming years.
“Do I see that happening? Yeah, I can see it,” Lutz said. “I have the last call there, of course, but our defensive coaches may not want to let him go.”
Lane said he is working with the second-string unit of defensive backs right now. SRU has six defensive backs returning with ample playing experience.
“It’s all new. It’s all fast,” Lane said of taking part in SRU’s preseason camp. “Speed is the biggest difference. In high school, I was always the fastest guy on the field and I could use that.
“I go on the field here and there’s tons of guys every bit as fast as me, some faster. That’s been an adjustment for me, especially playing safety. I have to learn to communicate better on the field, too.”
He goes up against a bevy of talented Rock receivers every day in practice, guys like Kyle Sheets, Cohen Russell and Jawon Hall.
“Sometimes I make the play, sometimes I get beat,” Lane admitted. “But I’m lining up against the best and I’m learning every day. It’s up to me to prove I deserve to be out there. I’m excited I’ve got a chance.”
A new rule in NCAA Division II this year allows freshmen to play in as many as three games and still keep their red-shirt year. Lutz plans to take advantage of that rule and give Lane a long look.
The fact he has a bevy of experienced players in front of Lane in the defensive secondary is of no consequence.
“The kid is that good,” Lutz said. “He’s come right in here and is legitimately competing for time. Ben is one of those guys coming out of high school who was affected by the transfer portal.
“If there was no portal where teams can get experienced college players, Ben Lane would probably be at a MAC (Mid American Conference) school right now.”
Lane is happy to be at Slippery Rock, even if he’s not carrying the football or scoring touchdowns.
“Scoring a touchdown defensively would have more impact, anyway,” Lane said, grinning. “When I was recruited by SRU last year and came up to some games, I loved the atmosphere and the family feel to the program.
“Most importantly, they want to win. They expect to win ... and I came here to win.”
Playing defense is no problem.
“I love to hit people,” Lane said. “Where I play doesn’t bother me at all. Wherever the coaches want me, that’s where I’ll go.”
