Son of FSU star trying to make own name at FAMU

Kenneth DeWayne Lanier politely tells anyone who asks: "Please call me DeWayne." This is but one way the Florida A&M redshirt sophomore is attempting to avoid the massive shadow cast by his father, former Florida State star and 14-year NFL veteran Ken Lanier. It doesn't help that Lanier plays the same position — offensive tackle — as his famous father.

(Orange Jersey)- #76 Kenneth DeWayne Lanier, RS Sophomore, Pharmacy major, 6'-7"/309 Offensive Tackle, Aurora, Colo - Grandview HS.

But if anyone is putting pressure on the pharmacy student to duplicate his father's career — Ken Lanier started in 46 straight games at FSU and went on to play in three Super Bowls — it is the 21-year-old Lanier. He insists his father has placed no such expectations on his son. Nor have the FAMU coaches.

"It's kind of ironic. I think I put the most pressure on myself," he said. "My dad's always encouraged me to be my own man. "Some people think I'm a junior, but I'm not and that's probably the reason. He wants me to be my own man."

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