One of the most defining moments in a football player's life is the day they hear their name called at the NFL Draft. It signifies a new chapter in their football career and what is to come, but is also a time to look back on the moments that led them to become a professional football player in the first place.
When thinking about the biggest moments of his football career thus far, wide receiver Jaylin Lane reminisces on the time he stepped up and made a play when his team needed him most. Playing for Virginia Tech at Marshall last season, Lane took his position back deep at punt return to kick off the second quarter. With both teams struggling offensively through the first quarter, Lane knew he needed to do something to break the stalemate and put his team on the board.
"The game has kind of been stagnant up until this point with not too much really going on on either side of the ball, offensive wise so I knew a play needed to be made and they punted, kind of a shorter punt, and I ran up," Lane explained. "It's risky for most people, but I was in the headspace where I wanted to make a play and I was confident enough to make the play. I caught the punt in traffic and broke a few tackles. My teammates laid some good blocks for me and I ended up scoring a touchdown. I feel like that helped us spark the win."
Lane's risk rewarded the Hokies with the momentum they needed to continue to put pressure on the Thundering Herd, and Virginia Tech overcame Marshall, 31-14, in the Sept. 7 matchup. Lane ended the game with four receptions for 41 yards in offensive snaps, as well as notching two returns for 76 yards and one touchdown on special teams.
The fourth-round pick has shown that same flash of athleticism throughout training camp. Lane's best day thus far came on Sunday, when he showed off his hands and fought through double coverage by cornerback Mike Sainristil and safety Quan Martin to make a spectacular catch on a deep ball from starting quarterback Jayden Daniels.
While his feet may have been just outside the back of the end zone, the grab was an incredible show of grit from a rookie who clearly has more defining moments ahead in his career. Hear from all five of the Commanders' drafted rookies on their defining moments, check out the Washington Commanders official YouTube page, @Commanders.
