Photography courtesy Jacksonville Jaguars and Navy Athletics
The star Midshipmen was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars and tries to earn his spot on the team
Rayuan Lane, III knows all about pressure. As a Naval Academy graduate, he experienced it every day with a military-type of routine. That meant every hour of the day was scheduled. Lane, who grew up in Jessup, Maryland, also felt some stress as a four-year starter at safety for the Midshipmen.
Now, he feels similar pressure to what he went through at the Academy—to make an impact in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. They drafted him at the end of April in the sixth-round.
Though history shows most sixth rounders have a very challenging time making an NFL team, Lane has gotten noticed for his special teams’ play as a gunner. He filled the position well for Navy.
Special teams may be the best way for making the opening day roster. He feels the Academy prepared him for what he’ll be going through with the Jaguars.
“It goes back to just putting in all that work every single day,” explains Lane, who has a degree in quantitative economics. “I believe that was enough at the Naval Academy for me to get accustomed to pressure.”
Lane had a stellar career at Navy. The 5-foot-11, 201-pouder became the first Midshipman in 10 years to be invited to the Senior Bowl held in January. He was also invited to the NFL Combine in February.
He never missed a game and racked up 244 tackles, forced eight fumbles, seven interceptions, and scored two defensive touchdowns.
His junior year was his best seaso
Photography courtesy Jacksonville Jaguars and Navy Athletics
n. He finished with 66 tackles, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Lane reached out for advice from former Navy players who had stints in the NFL: Keenan Reynolds and Joe Cardona.
“I had familiarity with these players, and I talked to each of them,” Lane says. “They told me to make the most of the situation. At some point, it’s going to come to an end.”
How do you overcome the odds of making Jacksonville since you were drafted in the 6th round? I am just focusing on things day by day. Having that mentality every day and giving it your all. I am learning the playbook, the system, and the players. I am really going hard every day. I am always trying to improve and spending those extra hours practicing. I am trying to put the best version of me on the field.
How did the experience at the Navy Academy prepare you for pro football? It’s almost like you don’t feel pressure anymore. It’s just one day at a time. I learned at the Naval Academy, when you fall down, get back up. Put in a consistent effort and consistent time. And be working toward a goal. I am getting in there early for everything. That is as important as anything. You have to let the outcome be what it is, and you know that you put your best foot forward.
How have things been going so far with Jacksonville? You must be really busy since joining the Jaguars? It really is just a lot. I’m going in every day knowing you have an end goal of being able to produce. I’m just going hard, whether it’s lifting, learning new techniques, doing on-the-field skill work, watching film, or even connecting with people from the NFL and just trying to learn from there. Learning the playbook is also a big thing
Do you feel the best way to carve out a role on the Jaguars is on special teams? I think I can make a big impact on any special teams unit. At the end of the day, special teams are all about effort. There is technique and things that are involved with it, but the driving factor is effort. I just feel when I am on the field, I am going to give such a good effort. Special teams will be huge, but I feel I will be able to do some really good things at safety and make a name for myself there as well.
What type of training have you been doing since the draft? I am trying to stay in peak shape and getting in there early. We are running on the field every day. I am doing cardio and lifting free weights. Something that is really stressed: Having recovery time. I am getting in there early and doing different recovery strategies. Steam rooms, saunas, or whatever it might be.
Photography courtesy Jacksonville Jaguars and Navy Athletics
What was your reaction to being drafted by Jacksonville? There was an initial burst of excitement having grown up with a dream of playing in the NFL. Now, I know that my dream has come true. I was so happy having my family around for the draft. Having the opportunity to come down to Jacksonville and compete for a spot is exciting.
What will you be doing after football and during your five years of service time to the Naval Academy? Right now, I am serving in the Marine Corps reserves, helping the recruiting effort. Whenever I am back playing football, I will be on active duty in the Marine Corps. I wouldn’t be on a ship, or in a plane. I could be doing logistics. And when it comes to leadership, which is an intangible value I have.
How has attending the Naval Academy helped you in life? I would attribute it to the mindset kind of thing. Going to the Naval Academy and graduating are hard things to do. Every day is hard. You have to have the mindset that you can do hard things and succeed.
What did you think of Annapolis having grown up in nearby Jessup? I liked Annapolis. There was always a good vibe. My classmate and I made the most of it. We pretty much did everything there was to do. I did a lot of cool things like visiting museums, going to different sporting events and going downtown. Annapolis had some great restaurants.
