Winter Haven's Lane Picks Florida
Sat. January 21, 2012 at 10:50 p.m. | By Blake Hasenzahl
Winter Haven's Adam Lane looks to run after making a short reception against Ridge Community High School. (Photo by George Aycrigg | NEWS CHIEF)
GAINESVILLE | Winter Haven star running back Adam Lane was sidelined all season with an ankle injury, but that didn't hurt his stock on the national recruiting trail.
But among all his choices, national championship Alabama being one of them, Lane went with the University of Florida.
On Saturday, the rising senior committed to play for the Gators in 2013. He is the first recruit to commit from that class.
Lane made his decision while on his fourth visit to Gainesville.
Despite Florida losing offensive coordinator Charile Weiss, Lane says the coaching staff was a major part of his decision.
“They're exciting to be around,” Lane said. “The atmosphere is great and it feels like a family in the locker room and that’s the kind of atmosphere I want to be in.”
Lane has been on Florida's radar since his breakout sophomore season and an outstanding performance at summer camps. Before breaking his fibula prior to the start of the season, Lane had a breakout spring game for the Blue Devils when he ran for five touchdowns and 300-plus yards.
Florida's offense has been going through the many changes lately, but to Lane that's a plus.
“The new offense with a fullback in front of me it will help out a lot,” said Lane, a 5-foot-7, 207 lb. back. “They'll be a lot more holes to run through I've always run in that kind of style so it's nothing new to me.”
Lane was also being recruited by South Florida, Rutgers, South Carolina and Florida State.
Lane's ankle didn't scare off Florida running back's coach Brian White, who has had three players coached by him drafted in the first round of the NFL draft.
“They said it's not a big deal and they're going to be behind me,” Lane said. “They know it's a minor injury, I just have to come back at 100-percent and work my butt off.”
Florida has become a powerhouse of NFL talent in recent years, but that's not the only thing that Lane was thinking about when making his decision.
"Another thing I liked about the Gators is having that behind your name and on your degree,” he added. “A lot of jobs really look at that if football doesn’t' work out.”
Lane is the first football player to go to UF from Winter Haven since current head coach Charlie Tate took over seven years ago.
“I couldn't be any happier for him, I think the perfect world is when Florida kids get to stay in the state and play with other Florida kids,” Tate said.
“I think they're a great football school and he'll have an opportunity to play in the best conference in the country. I'm proud of him.”
