Name: James Lee
School: Western New Mexico
Position: DL
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 270
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Over the course of the season, my goals changed in different areas. In the end, I achieved my overall goal of being named All-Conference and achieved my smaller goals of improving my stats and technique from my junior year, be named a team captain through team vote, and improve my leadership skills amongst my position group and team.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I believe that my coaches and teammates would say that I’m a technician, physically/mentally tough, and someone with grit. I understand that not everyone has the same opportunity as I do, so I do my absolute best to take advantage of my opportunities and limit the chances of regret.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film, I critique my technique harshly and how I can improve my decision making skills. I would then visualize myself making these improvements. I transfer this information to the practice field and involve what I learned. Another key I focus on is studying my opponents. I look for the different plays they run in certain situations and watching the hands and feet of the offensive line. I know O-linemen try to perfect their punch, so I develop a plan of what moves to attempt during gameplay.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects in my position is my ability to use my length and athleticism in different situations and also being a technician. Anyone can have raw talent but small technical details can make a major difference between a win or loss in a rep.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
This offseason I plan to train with Coach Steve Schween out of Cienega High School in Tucson, AZ and Venique Benton who is the DB coach at WNMU. Schween is a nationally recognized strength and conditioning coach and also just got selected as 2019 Educator of the Year in Arizona. Coach Benton has experience in speed training and techniques I can use to improve my speed and learn new tips on how to do so. I have no experience training with these two individuals so I am looking forward to this new challenge to improve my ability to perform at the professional level.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I believe my strengths and abilities that I will bring is my high quality character and efficient communication skills. If I don’t understand something, I am not afraid to ask questions and also receive constructive criticism. I am also a person that loves meeting new challenges because it allows me to find new characteristics or details about myself that I can use in the future for any situation.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
If I am given the opportunity to compete for a team in the NFL or other professional leagues, they will gain someone who gives 110% to anything and everything, who has a great personality that is beneficial on and off the field, and who is ready to compete to improve others around him. This all might sound cliché to most scouts, but I come from a small area of limited opportunities like this one. I take advantage of these opportunities as much as possible because I know there are people who wish they are in my position.