ForumsIn a story first reported by ESPN’s Jamie Newberg, Florida running back Marlin Lane committed to Tennessee on Monday afternoon.
Lane is a member of the ESPNU 150, ranking as the 134th overall prospect. The 6-0, 200-pound back is rated 4-stars by ESPN and received a Scouts Grade of 80.
Newberg added that Lane will not visit FSU this weekend and is “oficially done”.
Lane originally committed to Clemson in June, but the two parted ways earlier this month. According to reports, the falling-out occured after Lane decided to take other visits, including a trip to Knoxville this past weekend.
According to ESPN, Lane had offers from several other schools including Alabama, California, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, Purdue, Southern California and West Virginia.
Tennessee coaches desperately wanted on more running back in this class, and most belive Marlin Lane was the highest rated back remaining on their board.
With today’s commitment, Tennesee has 23 pledges for the 2011 class. The Vols will be able to enroll a total of 26 players in school.
Tennessee now has four commitments from the ESPNU 150: DeAnthony Arnett (#56), Marcus Jackson (#73), A.J. Johnson (#105), and Marlin Lane (#134). The Vols are still in the race for Gabe Wright (#26), Brandon Fulse (#94), and Antonio Richardson (#105).
ESPN Evaluation
Lane is very good college running back prospect with a coveted size to speed ratio and overall very impressive physical tools to develop. Has a taller, well-built frame that looks like it could still fill out to the 220-pound range. Physically imposing running back. Hits the hole with great burst and authority but can still make the first defender miss with great lateral footwork and jump-cut skill for his size. A shifty in-line back with good footwork and vision through the hole. Shows the lateral agility and burst to the outside needed to move the chains as a perimeter back as well. Most productive between the tackles though, can plant and go as good as most running backs in this class and does not gear down much when he hits the cutback. Displays good downhill explosion and balance out of his cuts; a load to take down with the great North-South momentum he quickly generates. When he lowers the shoulder and runs behind his pads its very difficult to arm-tackle this guy. Upper-body strength and overall speed-to-power is very impressive. Keeps his legs driving on contact and consistently bounces out of the pile and breaks initial contact. Does need to run with constant knee pump through traffic. Flashes good acceleration through the second level with his longer strider and has good top-end speed to separate, very good when you consider his size. However, he needs to consistently run low and avoid getting upright out of his cuts to retain current yards after contact production at the next level and remain durable. Not an ideal pick and slide zone type of runner who can dart in and out of traffic, more of a decisive, downhill back who may need to play in power-running or I formation offense to continue success. Overall, Lane has the ability to develop into a very productive, complete running back prospect at the next level. Skills as a returner add to his upside and continue show what a dynamic back he is for his size.
{ 4 comments }
I can’t wait to see our 2011 recruits help return Tennessee to the top of the SEC!
In Tom Smith and Marlin Lane we got two of the best young running backs that the state of Florida produced in 2010. If our young Bucks in the trenches can provide these kids the opportunity to hit the holes under full power I can tell you right now our running game is going to be awesome and with that type of running game just think what our passing game will look like. I can hardly wait to see this team develop in the coming weeks and months.
Congratulations to Marlin Lane. I remember when you were a little guy playing basketball and football. It is nice to see you head towards your dream/goal! We moved up here a year ago and the boys have become Vols fans after attending Dooley’s camp last year. They trainned in Florida for 10 years, going to finish High School 12 miles from UT and hopefully will join you your Junior year~! Imagine…3 boys from the Deland area…playing in Tennessee? Just hope that moving here and finishing ball here yields them the same chances they had in Florida.
marlin lane is a great ball player you probaly ask how do i know this well marlin actually played on the same team as my brother at light house high school and when i saw him play i couldnt beleave how w
well he played i’m glad to see him at tennessee
GO VOLS
Comments on this entry are closed.