Austen Lane (2019) - Hall of Fame - Murray State University Athletics

Austen Lane

Playing defensive end for the Racers from 2006-09, Lane was one of the most feared defenders in the history of OVC Football.
Arriving at MSU as a tall, but thin player from an All-State prep career in Wisconsin, Lane developed into one of the most feared defensive ends in the game.
By the time he finished his junior season in 2008, he was an Associated Press All-America and named to the Sporting News Fabulous 50 All-America list.
In 2009, he was the OVC Defensive Player of the Year, AP All-America and was sixth in voting for the Buchanan Award, which is given to the best defensive player in the nation.
Lane left his mark as a Racer as he set the school's single-season sack record (12), as well as the single-season tackles for loss (22) in 2008 as a junior.
Also MSU's career leader in tackles for a loss (53.5) and sacks (29).
Lane became the highest drafted player in MSU history when he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2010 NFL Draft. That NFL honor has only been topped once at MSU since, when Quincy Williams was taken in the third round by the Jaguars in 2019.
Lane had a five-season run in the NFL, with three seasons being with the Jaguars and one each with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.
He retired from pro football in 2015 and ended with 30 games played 66 tackles.
In 2017, Lane proudly returned to MSU when he graduated with a degree in journalism.