University of Akron wide receiver Jerome Lane Jr. announced via Twitter on Thursday afternoon that he will enter the 2017 NFL Draft.
The son of former Akron basketball standout Jerome Lane Sr., who played at the University of Pittsburgh and in the NBA, Lane was originally recruited by Zips coach Terry Bowden and his staff to play defense for UA.
But the Zips’ coaching staff moved the Firestone High School graduate to the offensive side of the ball just before his sophomore season, and that move paid dividends when the team was healthy.
In two seasons at receiver, the 6-foot-2 and 220-pound Lane caught 101 passes for 1,800 yards, averaging 17.8 yards per reception, and 14 touchdowns.
The deadline to enter the NFL Draft is Jan. 16. Without a bowl game appearance for the Zips, it seems there was little reason for Lane to wait.
— George M. Thomas