By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

A couple of years ago, Aiden Layne picked up playing the guitar along with his friend Ryan Jackson.

“We started playing and teaching each other how to play. I’ve learned a lot of it. I’m hoping to learn a lot of other things, too,” said Layne.

For the 6-foot, 240-pound Ironton Fighting Tigers’ senior, the guitar might help him to relax and learn to entertain himself. However, the guitar can’t teach him to play football, but that’s OK because Layne already knows how to do that and he does it quite well.

So well, in fact, that Layne signed a letter of intent to play for the Morehead State Eagles.

Besides Morehead State, Layne talked with the University of Pikeville, Ohio Dominican, Capital, Otterbein and several other Ohio Athletic Conference schools.

“I chose Morehead mainly because it reminded me of home,” said Layne about his selection. “It’s not too far away and I’ve got friends going there, too. That was a big factor in going where I wanted to go, knowing people.”

Layne might be picky about what program he plays for at the next level, but the position he plays won’t matter.

“Anywhere. It doesn’t matter. D-tackle, D-end. Put me anywhere,” said Layne.

The signing with Morehead State caps an amazing senior year for Layne.

A three-year starter and four-year letterman, Layne was named the Southeast District Division 5 Lineman of the Year for the second straight season and was named first team All-Ohio by the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association.

Ironton was 15-1 and capped off the season with the program’s third state championship.

“It’s been great. You know, a lot of people in their senior year are sad, but I haven’t had that feeling. It’s been great. It’s been wonderful,” said Layne.

“It was a blessing to go out and win the state this year. I had a really good time with my friends.”

Layne said that the linemen — especially the seniors — had a special bond.

“We were really close. We would always get together anytime we could,” Layne said.

“We always made sure we had fun. It was our last year together. We grew up together and playing ball together, so we want to make sure we stay close.”

Layne doesn’t have hardly any goals, but the two he does have are simple.

“The goal is to make the traveling squad, but obviously I want to get some time on the field,” said Layne, who plans to major in nursing.

Ironton head coach Trevon Pendleton said Layne is one of the best linemen he’s coached in his seven seasons.

“Layne is a guy who doesn’t come around too often even at a place like Ironton,” said Pendleton. “He’s been a consistent three-year starter and he even played some as a freshman.

“In those three years he’s become an iron man. He’s played both sides of the ball almost every snap all season even through injuries. He’s just a tough kid. My opinion is he’s as good a player as there is in Division Five in the state of Ohio and maybe every division.”

In the past few years, Morehead State upgraded its standing and is now an NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision scholarship program.

Going against some top college teams will be a new experience for Layne.

“It’s going to be different, but it’s going to be fun. I’m ready for the challenge. It’s going to be fun this year,” he said.

Layne has played baseball in the past but a football injury led him to put the sport aside and work on his recovery.

He said his father, Eric, who was a standout for the Ironton program has been a major influence on him and his work ethic.

“Growing up all I heard about was how good he was in high school. He’s pushed me to be even better,” said Layne. “I always try to outwork him in everything I did. He’d come and say his bench was better and I’d say, ‘OK. Next time I’ve gotcha.’”

On the plus side, Pendleton said that Layne’s hard work made him a better player. On the minus side, he said the program will sorely miss him.

“He’s the guy who’s going to be irreplaceable for us. People who know him know he’s not a man of many words, but he’s definitely a man of action. He shows up everyday and works hard. He definitely leads by example,” said Pendleton.