The fun part of attending the Best of the Midwest Combine each year is finding high school players going under the radar who I look at as Hidden Gems in their respected recruiting class.
The 2022 version of the BOMW was no exception, and one prospect that stepped forward was West Milton (Ohio) Milton-Union junior offensive lineman Ethan Lane.
In many ways, I feel I’ve seen this play out before, as back in the Class of 2014, offensive lineman Wes Martin was another prospect undervalued and under the radar to many in the recruiting world.
Martin would have a few Mid-American Conference programs extend offers; however, Indiana would take a chance, with Martin rewarding the Hoosiers by starting 43 games during his career before being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by Washington.
Lane has many of the same tools and is looking to follow the same path as Martin.
“I had a chance to go and watch him (Martin) play at Indiana,” explained Lane. “I look up to him and am grateful that I get a chance to train with him. I like watching how he plays on the field, and he told Indiana offensive line coach Darren Hiller about me.”
At 6-foot-3, 270-pounds, Lane was solid during the testing portion at the Best of the Midwest with a 5.09 forty and 4.70 Pro-Shuttle while also stepping forward during the one-on-one drills.
Lane gives Martin credit for having him prepared for his first camp experience.
“The Best of the Midwest was a fun camp,” he said. “I met some excellent people and a few coaches there. They ran the camp well, and I’m glad I got to do the testing and drills, as that was the first time I’ve ever done one-on-ones.
“Wes helped me as he told me to use my hands as violently as I can while keeping my head out and my feet quick. He stressed don’t get beat on the inside; make them win outside.”
With his ties to Martin, Lane already holds the Hoosiers high on his list of schools.
“Coach Hiller came to school and told Coach (Bret) Pearce he wanted me to come for a visit and attend their camp this summer,” he said.” So I’m looking forward to going there as I know they have a great business program. I also have an interest in Toledo and Ohio University.”
The summer should prove eventful for Lane as he hits the camp scene and has college coaches getting their first up-close view of what he brings to the field.
