Scouting Report, Video Highlights and Predictions for 5-Star WR Ermon Lane

One of the top recruits in the nation, Ermon Lane is a player who can be a headache for a defensive coordinator. The talented WR prospect has many great physical tools and is coveted by many college coaches.

Get to know Ermon Lane now, because he's going to be on your TV screen sooner rather than later.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports & ESPNU.

Who Is Ermon Lane?

Lane is a WR prospect from Homestead Fla., which is located in Miami-Dade County. So he's a "Miami Guy" at heart and is a living legend there.

Last season, Lane caught 30 passes for 801 yards and eight TDs. As a sophomore, he had 22 catches for 69 yards and seven scores. 

Lane is ranked 23rd in the class of 2014 by 247Sports Composite, 25th by ESPNU  32nd by Rivals and 53rd by Scout.com . 

Lane is viewed by many as one of the best, if not the best, wide receivers in the country. 

Lane Scouting Report: Strengths

Lane has great size at 6'2" and 193 pounds, which makes him an imposing presence on the perimeter. After he breaks the huddle, cornerbacks think twice about rolling up to press him. 

He flashes great release quickness, as he is actually a quicker-than-fast type of athlete. Lane can quickly arrive at junction points, sink his hips and shoot out of his breaks to create separation from defenders.

He has a large strike zone and his ball skills are top notch. Lane's best attribute may be his ability to catch balls in crowds. He's a good leaper, high-points balls and uses his athleticism well.

Lane shows good speed and run-after-the-catch skills with the ball. He can elude defenders and shows good instincts and run vision. He has the potential to develop into a No. 1 wide receiver n college and compares favorably to Justin Blackmon of the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Lane Scouting Report: Weaknesses

At times, Lane can look stiff-hipped when getting out of his breaks. This is interesting because Lane is a good athlete and most stiff-hipped players are not as elusive nor have the movement skills he possesses.

That is why it is believed Lane actually doesn't give maximum effort at times, rather than him being a limited athlete. He also must continue to improve his strength to prepare for releases against bigger and stronger college cornerbacks.

Finally, Lane's long speed can be questioned. He has great explosiveness and quickness, but his ability to get deep consistently at the next level is a mild concern. 

Lane Highlights

This is a six-minute highlight reel of some of Lane's best highlights. Lane can be seen making plays in the return game in this clip, as he shows skills that project him to be a good kickoff returner in college.

Also, Lane's ball skills and quickness from the wide receiver position are on full display.

Lane Highlights No. 2

This clip of highlights feature Lane as a freshman and sophomore at Homestead High School. When watching this, be sure to note how Lane's hands and concentration help him as a rangy free safety.

Should things not work out in college on offense, Lane could have a future in the secondary.

Predictions

Unless a major injury occurs or an unforeseen circumstance takes him off his path, Lane should be a productive college player. He may not be ready to start immediately nor be a plug-and-play guy, but with  time he could max out as a difference-maker.

As far as where he will end up, Miami and Alabama could be on track for a two-team standoff. Look for the Crimson Tide to be the last team standing and win the Lane sweepstakes.

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.