Shannon Lane (Salem HS - Virginia Beach, VA), who is one of the top receiver prospects in the state of Virginia, returned from his official visit to Virginia yesterday.

According to Salem Head Coach Chris Beatty, Lane enjoyed his time in Charlottesville.

"The visit went great," said Beatty. "Shannon really enjoyed it."

Coming into the visit, Lane did not have a leader between Virginia, Boston College, and Virginia Tech. Lane's original leader, Tennessee, has all but been eliminated after the Volunteers failed to follow through on a scheduled official visit on the weekend of November 29.

Lane's visit to Virginia may have changed things in the Cavaliers favor.

"Right now, I would say Virginia is the front runner, but that's just my feeling," said Beatty.

Lane will trip this weekend to Virginia Tech, and may decide the following week. He may also take a few more visits if he does not have a clear-cut decision.

"He will visit Virginia Tech this weekend," said Beatty. "He is considering visiting a couple of other schools, but right now I would say he probably won't do that. West Virginia and Notre Dame are still in the picture, and Pitt is trying to come in late, but I think he may decide after this weekend."

Shannon Lane plays on the same squad as Notre Dame commitment RB Isaiah Gardner. When Gardner missed several games late in the year, Lane stepped up with clutch performances, including a 12-catch, 230 yard performance versus Ocean Lakes.

For the season, Lane finished with 50 catches for 867 yards and seven touchdowns. He projects as a solid possession-type receiver with good speed in college.

"He goes about 6-1, 200 pounds," said Beatty. "He is a good combination of possession type receiver and strength, but he is deceptively fast.

"Off the field, he is a very smart kid who gets along real well with everyone else."

Lane's recruitment took a bizarre twist when Tennessee didn't follow through with the scheduled official visit. The Vols led big at that point, but now the in-state schools may have the edge with Boston College in the mix as well.

Look for a decision soon from Lane - most likely this will come down to the two in-state schools, with Virginia having the edge following a good official visit. 

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