Class of 2025 ATH Julius Lane Jr. Talks Mississippi State Offer

Class of 2025 ATH Julius Lane Jr. of Pike Road High School (Montgomery, Alabama) holds offers from multiple programs and interest from the prestigious likes of Alabama and Florida. But he says that Mississippi State, which extended an offer to him in is standing at No. 1 right now.

"If I had to choose a school today, it would be Mississippi State," he said.

A large part of that comes down to cornerbacks coach Darcel McBath and the coaching staff at MSU. He also has a relationship with and trains with Bulldogs safety Collin Duncan, who has had nothing but positive things to say about playing for McBath.

"This is the best relationship I have amongst all the college coaches," Lane Jr. said of McBath and the staff around him.

"They're pretty hands on. I have a relationship with coach (Darcel) McBath. One thing I can say about coach McBath is that when I first saw him at a camp, he was telling me what I need to work on and how I can improve. Since then, he's come out and sat down and talked with me. Not a lot of college coaches sit down and talk with young athletes, so that's what really stood out to me."

Outside of that, Lane Jr. was impressed with what he saw of MSU gameday and the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex in Starkville.

"When I went to a home game, the atmosphere was crazy," Lane Jr. said. "The visit I took there was one of the first college games I've ever been to... I love the facilities and I feel like the coaches are going to keep it real with you and tell you what you need to work on and what you're good at, so I feel like I can most definitely develop at Mississippi State."

Moving forward with plenty of time still remaining in his recruitment process, Lane Jr. has a good feel for what he brings to the table.

"For me, I think I have great technique," he said. "I'm physical and I can get in and out of my breaks really quickly. I feel like I'm a versatile athlete who brings a high level of speed."

Lane Jr. is currently listed as an athlete, but feels he will succeed best within the secondary at the college level, saying that he feels he's best fit as a defensive back within the overall unit. He says he largely models his game off of Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey and NFL legend Deion Sanders.

He spends his time outside of the high school football facility training with former Alabama football player Justin Woodall to perfect his game.

"During the session we focus on getting in and out of our breaks, working on hip mobility and just things like that which are important at the defensive back position."

How Lane Jr. continues to grow as a prospect and whether or not he ends up playing out his college career in Davis Wade Stadium will be something to keep an eye on in the coming years.