Akron Firestone’s Jerome Lane Jr. signed with Akron’s football program on Wednesday morning.
Yes, he’s the son of that Jerome Lane, the basketball player. And Junior — he goes by J.T. — also hopes to walk on to the Akron basketball team.
Signing Lane is a big get for Akron’s Terry Bowden. He’s not only a local product but a very talented player who received interest from BCS schools nationwide and also considered Toledo. He could end up at linebacker, tight end or defensive end for the Zips by the time he’s done.
J.T. Lane embraces his family roots — and the spotlight that comes with it.
“I always feel like somebody’s watching me,” he said. “Having my dad’s name, those are big shoes to fill. I take that seriously.”
Lane’s Firestone teammate in both football and basketball, Kevin Gladney, signed with Nebraska on Wednesday.
“Kevin is an all-around athlete, just naturally gifted,” Firestone basketball coach Dave Milo said. “As a basketball coach, I’m not going to claim to know he fits at Nebraska. I do know that he’s so talented and so quick that I think he could get a basketball scholarship for the way he plays defense.
“When he gets there and pushes himself, I think he’ll have a great career.”
Said J.T. Lane: “Kevin and I go way back. We grew up together, and I’ve always respected him. I’m very proud of him. We’ve always pushed each other to make each other better. I can’t wait to see him at Nebraska.”
