The send-off wasn’t what most of Florida State’s seniors had hoped for, but nevertheless, the accomplishments as a program that this year’s senior class helped with are many. With the regular season in the books and only the Independence Bowl to be played, we’ll be looking back on the careers of some prominent FSU seniors.
The outgoing senior class for the Seminoles was part of the first College Football Semifinal ever and helped FSU finish in the top 10 twice and play in three New Year’s Six bowls. Some departing seniors contributed each season while others had small parts in the grand scheme of things.
Our series continues with another player who did whatever the program asked of him. Ermon Lane was a highly-touted 5-star wide receiver out of high school who played musical positions between receiver and the secondary.
After recording just 19 catches over his first two seasons, Lane made the switch to safety where he was an instant contributor for the FSU defense. With the Seminoles thin at receiver this past season, Lane made the switch back where he led the team in receiving over his final two games.
Although Lane never lived up to his recruiting hype, he was able to go from bust to contributor. To remember his four years at FSU, here are the five best moments for Lane during his time in Tallahassee:
5. Open-Field Tackle in Opener
Sept. 2, 2017
It didn’t take long into Ermon Lane’s second season at safety to witness how far he had come as a defensive back. Against No. 1 Alabama in Atlanta, the Crimson Tide faced a 3rd-and-9 in FSU territory on their opening drive. That’s when Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts flipped the ball to one of the nation’s best running backs in Bo Scarbrough in the flat. Isolated 1-on-1, Lane made the tackle on that talented back to force fourth down. Alabama wound up missing a 42-yard field goal on the next play.
4. Lane’s Catch Sets Up Clinching Score
Nov. 25, 2017
With Florida State leading Florida 24-16 early in the fourth quarter of this season’s match-up, the Seminoles were just short of midfield looking to go up two scores. Facing a 2nd-and-19, quarterback James Blackman lofted a pass which found the outstretched arms of Lane for a 39-yard gain to set FSU up in the red zone. Cam Akers found the end zone two plays later to put Florida State ahead 31-16 in an eventual 38-22 victory. Lane’s lone catch led all FSU receivers for the day as the senior finished his career a perfect 4-0 against the rival Gators.
3. Lane Debuts at Safety
Oct. 8, 2016
A native of South Florida, it seemed only fitting that Lane make his debut at safety against Miami. Then a junior, Lane looked like a natural finishing with four tackles — all solo stops — in a 20-19 victory over the Hurricanes. It was the seventh straight for FSU over its rivals to the south.
2. First Career Pick
Nov. 19, 2016
Ermon Lane’s only career interception would come in the 2016 ACC finale in the Carrier Dome against Syracuse. With FSU leading 21-0 in the second quarter, Syracuse quarterback Zack Mahoney lofted a pass that was picked off by Lane and returned for seven yards into Syracuse territory. The pick didn’t set up a score, but it was a nice play for the newly transitioned junior in a 45-14 victory.
1. First Career Touchdown
Oct. 30, 2014
The only touchdown catch of Ermon Lane’s career was an enormous one. No. 2 FSU faced No. 25 Louisville on a Thursday night in 2014 and for most of the night, it appeared the Seminoles were going down. The Cardinals raced to a 21-0 lead before FSU caught fire in the second half. The Seminoles went ahead for the first time as Jameis Winston fired through a tight window to the then freshman Lane. Lane made the catch in traffic and worked his way to the end zone for a 47-yard touchdown to go up 28-24. FSU would go on to win the game 42-31 and eventually the ACC to make the first-ever College Football Playoff.
Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson
You must be logged in to post a comment Login