Demon Drafted

NATCHITOCHES -- Cornerback Jeremy Lane became the latest Northwestern State football player headed to the National Football League when he was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks as the second pick in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft Saturday afternoon.

Lane, a 6-0, 184-pounder from Tyler, Texas-Tyler John Tyler High School, was the 172nd pick overall. Entering the NFL, he joins fellow NSU alumni Buffalo Bills cornerback Terrence McGee, beginning his 10th season, and Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Demetress Bell, beginning his first year with the Eagles after four in Buffalo, the last three as the starting left tackle.

"It's a dream come true," said Lane. "The wait is over. I wasn't really nervous until the fifth round ended. I was told I could go between the third and fifth rounds. I think I should have gone earlier, but I am still very blessed."

Lane didn't see his name flash up on television's live coverage because he was tending to his baby daughter Jaya.

"I was watching, but my little girl had a problem and I had to tend to her, so I didn't see it on TV. My phone rang right after it showed up, though. Seattle wasn't a surprise, except that they didn't call until they were going to announce my name. It was going to be either them, Houston or Chicago, and the other two were calling and telling me they were going to get me," he said.

Seattle was one of the eight teams to bring Lane in for a pre-draft visit.

"They have a real good coaching staff and it's a great city," he said. "Their fans are great. Their DB coach (Kris Richard) is real cool and very impressive. I can't wait to get up there and learn from him."

A four-year letterman for the Demons, Lane had 137 career tackles, 24 pass breakups, four interceptions and three fumble recoveries while playing safety and cornerback. He started 14 times, including 10 of 11 games at cornerback in 2011, making 43 tackles with two interceptions, three breakups and two fumble recoveries. He was also a special teams standout on kick and punt coverage as he was chosen for the defensive "Most Improved" award at the Demon Football Awards Banquet.

"I do want to give special thanks to coach Peve (head coach Bradley Dale Peveto) and my position coach, DeVon Lockett. They have been real influential. All of the coaches and my teammates helped me get to this point.

"Being a Demon played a big role. NSU was one of the few teams interested in me coming out of high school. They gave me the opportunity to play Division I football, and while I was a Demon they taught me discipline, a never-give-up attitude, and the blue-collar approach. Those characteristics are very important for me," he said.

Lane's draft stock began to climb during his senior season. He drew attention after making nine tackles, including a sack that was nearly a safety, in a Sept. 10 game against LSU. Interest began to spike when he impressed in two post-season all-star games, winning Defensive Player of the Game honors at the Jan. 16 Casino Del Sol All-Star Game with eight tackles and a pass breakup.

"After my two all-star games, the buzz started picking up. After my pro days, I put up the numbers I needed and I felt things were going my way," he said.

He ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and had a 42-inch vertical leap at the Demons' March 29 Pro Day, with a 10-10 standing broad jump and a 4.14 20-yard shuttle time.

The Seahawks "expect me to get some playing time this year at corner," said Lane, who is also counting on being a special teams contributor. He will report for his first worktouts in Seattle in a couple of weeks.

"Can't wait to get started," he said.