Brady Lane has been part of the foundation of the football and the basketball programs at Stone Memorial High School for several years.
He brings a lot to the table, with his 6-foot-5, 232-pound frame, tenacious competitiveness, and really good speed for a big guy.
So when Lane was looking for colleges to attend, he could have had opportunities to play either football or basketball, or probably even both.
However, that decision was going to be Lane’s, and his alone.
Late last week, Lane made his decision final when he signed his national letter of intent to play football in the fall at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro, KY, during ceremonies at the high school.
“I think it is really starting to hit me how big of a deal signing with a college really is,” said Lane, son of Dustin and Marlena Lane.
“I feel very blessed to have had this opportunity and I am so thankful to my parents for making this happen.”
Lane started playing football in local youth leagues and loved it so much he never wanted to give it up.
“My parents have always wanted me to be active. So, we gave football a try,” Lane said. “We were a little different. My mom was the one who actually allowed me to play football. And, my dad was the one who pushed me to be the best I could be.”
Lane has made the most of his opportunity on the football field.
During his career with the Panthers, Stone Memorial has won the majority of its games, including 17 games over the last two seasons, and two first-round playoff victories.
And Lane was a big reason for that.
The sure-handed tight end was a comfortable target for SMHS quarterbacks.
And when the Panthers were on defense, Lane chased down running backs and QB’s from his middle linebacker position.
Lane was voted the Region 4 Linebacker of the Year in 2022, and earned all-state honors from the Tennessee Football Coaches Association.
He was also voted the top tight end in the region last season.
Lane also set the school record for most tackles with 132 in 2023 and, capped his career with the mark for most tackles in program history with 351.
“After my sophomore year, college coaches began to notice my highlight tape,” Lane said. “Then in my junior year, we heard from teams like Austin Peay, Tennessee Tech, and Hendrix.
“But I know college coaches were looking for the best athletes they could find. I understand that. However, I wanted to be the player they wanted, not just the one they could find. Kentucky Wesleyan did that.”
Around the end of his junior campaign, Lane came in contact with the coaches from Kentucky Wesleyan, and he was invited for a summer camp.
Everything went well and, as soon as the camp was done, Lane knew the Owensboro school was exactly where he wanted to go.
Now the hard work begins for Lane. As soon as basketball season is over he will resume training to get mentally and physically ready for KWC when he reports in August.
“I think I still need to get bigger, faster, stronger,” Lane said “I know I have to work 20 times harder than everyone. else if I want to be ready.”
Lane is joining a Kentucky Wesleyan College team that’s looking for direction.
The Panthers are a fixture of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference, but they’ve won only 10 games over the past four years.
“I realize how blessed I am to have a chance to sign to play football in college,” said Lane. “I want to thank the Crossville community because they have always supported me. And I also want to thank my parents. They have always been so supportive.”