Ready to take a big step
Former Bay Port offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen is preparing for a pivotal season at Wisconsin.
Cole Van Lanen had one of the biggest decisions of his life this winter.
The University of Wisconsin offensive lineman and former Bay Port star could follow in the footsteps of teammate Jonathan Taylor and declare for the NFL draft, or he could return for his senior season and strengthen his draft position for 2021.
Taylor, the Badgers' all-world running back, didn't create much suspense by announcing a short time after the Rose Bowl that he was leaving.
The 6-foot-5, 312-pound Van Lanen took more time before deciding in mid-January to return to Wisconsin.
“I didn't perform the way I wanted to last year, I had some things going on,” said Van Lanen, who dealt with a few injuries. “I know staying could really benefit me for next year. I'm happy with it.
“Obviously, (the coronavirus) is a bummer during this whole last season of mine, but it sounds like we will be able to get back pretty soon. I know me, and as a team, are going to make the most of this year. I definitely think it was worth staying one more year for me in the long run.”
The Draft Network has Van Lanen listed as the 223rd overall player and 20th among offensive linemen in its prospect rankings for 2021.
But Anthony Treash, who serves as the senior college analyst for Pro Football Focus, lists Van Lanen as the fourth best and said he has the chance to be among the top tackles in the game.
If there is a college football season, Van Lanen could continue to improve his stock.
If not?
“There is definitely a concern,” Van Lanen said. “The point of staying is to improve your game and show the next level that you are better than you have played.
“If there is no season, you can’t really do that. If there is no season, I can’t show all the hard work I’ve done this past year. But that has cleaned up a little bit now, and I’ve made the most of this situation. I’ve been able to work out just as much as if we were still here, and I’m just excited to get back.”
The Badgers have produced a long list of offensive linemen who have been drafted — Tyler Biadasz was selected by the Dallas Cowboys this year — including 21 since 2000.
Thirteen of those players — Chris McIntosh, Casey Rabach, Al Johnson, Joe Thomas, Kraig Urbik, Gabe Carimi, John Moffitt, Kevin Zeitler, Peter Konz, Travis Frederick, Rob Havenstein, Ryan Ramczyk and Michael Deiter — were drafted within the first three rounds.
Bay Port coach Gary Westerman thinks Van Lanen entering his final season healthy will be a big benefit. Where his former pupil is ranked right now doesn’t matter much.
“He’s extremely talented,” Westerman said. “I think those numbers are low. If people would have talked to him after his sophomore year, they would have had him ranked really high, I would think.
“It’s just about him being healthy, getting back to being consistent and being able to train and prepare for the season. His ability to do that will go a long way.”
Van Lanen has climbed the depth chart since arriving at Wisconsin in 2016.
He redshirted his first year and played 14 games his freshman season in 2017.
Van Lanen appeared in 13 contests as a sophomore and made his first career start at left tackle against New Mexico, putting together what arguably has been his finest season with the Badgers.
He helped the team average 273.4 rushing yards per game, which ranked No. 6 in the nation. He also helped Taylor win the rushing title with 2,194 yards.
“Being able to block for a guy like that, how he is off the field, he’s a great friend, a great leader, a great teammate and an all-around great player,” Van Lanen said. “Similar to how Alec (Ingold) was with me in high school and being that close to him.
“It benefited him and us. He knew every snap that we were going to do everything we can for him, and he did the exact same for us.”
Van Lanen became a full-time starter last season and again helped Taylor go over the 2,000yard mark, although he struggled a bit in pass protection and against some of the elite defenders in the Big Ten.
Van Lanen had hip surgery in the past and dealt with tightness in that area in 2019. He has worked on his flexibility this offseason and also wants to improve his awareness beyond his triangle on the line.
As the anchor and lone senior on the offensive line, Van Lanen will serve as a leader in 2020 much like he did at Bay Port, when he was named a captain and team MVP his final season.
“I know a lot of the guys look up to me, and I’m just here to try and make them better and try to teach them,” he said. “I’m ready to embrace that role, and I feel I have already. I’m just excited to get back with this group, because we are a really close group.”
Van Lanen has watched Ingold sign with the Las Vegas Raiders and Ashwaubenon’s James Morgan and Green Bay Southwest’s Max Scharping both get drafted by NFL teams the past two years.
He’s working hard to be the next local player to get that call.
If it happens, and if Ingold and Van Lanen should play against each other, Westerman will be there no matter what.
“That game could be in China, and I will be on a plane,” Westerman said. “You just get excited for kids and young adults, having been blessed to kind of go through the process with Alec and consider him to be a friend and his family a friend.
“The same with Cole. I consider Cole a close friend of mine and his family a friend. His dad turkey hunts on my hunting land. It’s more what it could possibly do for his life and his family’s life. The excitement for (the football program), too, but the reality is you are just excited for the kid’s opportunity.”