4-star linebacker Sterling Lane commits to Arizona

Shortly after missing out on a big commitment from California, the Arizona Wildcats added a big one from the Golden State.

Sterling ‘Deuce’ Lane, a 4-star linebacker/edge rusher from Oaks Christian School in Westlake Village, Calif., announced his commitment to UA on Friday on CBS Sports HQ.

Lane is a strong pickup for Don Brown and the Wildcat defense. He is the No. 322 player in the 2022 recruiting class, per 247Sports, as well as the 37th-best linebacker and the No. 23 prospect from California. And his offer list reflects those rankings.

Lane has 15 offers and chose UA over the likes of LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Utah, Arkansas and Tennessee. Arkansas, Colorado, Oregon and Oregon State were his other finalists.

Lane had a strong outing during the shortened season this past year. He finished with 34 tackles, seven for a loss, with five sacks, a pass breakup and a fumble recovery.

The big 6-foot-4, 235-pound defender has the skill set to fit perfectly into Brown’s defense. He becomes the 15th member of Arizona’s 2022 class and seventh from California. UA’s class now ranks 37th in the country. The Cats haven’t finished higher than 56th since 2017.

Lane’s commitment also marks the first time since 2016 that Arizona has had two 4-star recruits in the same class. It comes a few days after the Wildcats narrowly missed out on 4-star California wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who committed to Oregon.

Lane took an official visit to Arizona at the beginning of June and came away with a good feeling about the ‘Cats. His relationship with UA legend and defensive line coach Ricky Hunley was one major reason for his commitment.

“That was my first official visit and they set the bar really high for everyone else,” Lane told 247Sports. “I loved everything about the school and how well I fit in there. The coaches were personable and I love the energy and direction they have the program going. The players all took me in and I bonded really well with everyone I met. My parents loved it out there too and that was probably my favorite visit.”