Interview: 3-Star 2021 Missouri WR/FS William Lee Updates Recruiting and Top Schools List
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When watching Kirkwood High School on the gridiron, it is really easy to spot No. 8. Wherever the ball is, best bet that Class of 2021 do-all skill athlete William Lee is either holding the pigskin, blocking for his teammates, or burying the opposition in the turf for holding onto the rock. The exceptional play on both sides of the ball has brought 10 scholarship offers and three-star recruiting status to Lee with interest building.
In Missouri Class 6 classification, Lee is a well-known talent. His junior campaign was one highlight play after another lining up at receiver and outside linebacker. On offense, Lee secured 47 passes for 760 yards with 12 trips into the end zone and carried the rock 12 times for 120 more yards. Flipping the field, he took down 61 ball carriers, 51 times on his own, with a sack, a pick, and a fumble recovery. The stat line is filled with special teams’ action returning a punt 33 yards for a score and he even punts for his squad.
After his phenomenal all-around season a year ago, the Pioneers staff has moved their playmaker from outside backer to free safety. The move keeps teams from running away from the 6-2, 185-pound, defender and gives him more opportunities for interceptions and game changing pick-sixes. Two games into the 2020 season, Lee already has 17 stops, 15 solo, with two interceptions. On offense, all things have returned to his normal with seven receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns.
In July, Lee dropped a top schools list ahead of his senior run. For coverage on his skills, the 2020 season thus far, and his recruiting options, Lee stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed talk.
Interview
William, there are a lot of differences in your game footage from your junior to senior season, and on both sides of the ball. Let’s start on offense. Running a Spread offense, the Pioneers line you up on the inside. You were a big target across the middle in 2019 and this season you have added more vertical routes. Which routes are you running in the scheme?
Across the middle, over, and seams up the middle. My coach knows how to break down defenses, he puts me in the best situation to be great.
Over the spring and summer months, how did you prepare for your senior season as a receiver?
This summer I spent a lot of time with my quarterback and my coach. We worked on our plays. Our coach would break us down on the little things like coming off the fast and selling every route.
A year ago, you were playing outside linebacker in the team’s 3-4 and this season you are playing deep at free safety. How are you liking the change in positions?
I like the change from outside linebacker to free safety. At free safety, I am in the middle of the field, there is no possible way to run away from me. At outside linebacker, they were running away. I had to chase plays down to get a tackle. I am more involved in the defense at free safety.
How did you prepare to play safety this offseason?
This offseason I went to Florida and worked with a safety trainer. When I was there, I worked on my hips and not being so stiff. I did all the little things with him to be prepared for this season.
What coverages are you running in the secondary?
We run Cover 3, Cover 4, and we go man.
How has the new role in the secondary helped you expand your understanding of the game as a receiver?
It really helps. When you see Cover 3, on a curl route you know that middle safety will get depth and you will be in the middle of the field wide open. I can see how they rotate or drop back, I can tell the coverages they are in.
Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game on offense?
I feel like my hands and ball attacking skills have improved the most. Last year I was weak in my hands. It was easy to get the catch when I was open, but with contact it was a struggle. This season I am making diving catches and making catches with contact because I have stronger hands.
And what about on defense?
I am showing a lot of improvement. At outside linebacker in coverage, I was not good with short routes because my hips were tight. Now my hips are looser. At safety, I am all over guys. I can tell the routes they are running from playing receiver.
You guys are coming off a big 20-7 win over Ladue Horton Watkins and get Eureka (3-1) next. What’s instore for you guys against the Wildcats on Friday?
I am expecting a good game. They have a good quarterback. I played 7v7 with them, he is good. He sells stuff with his eyes. They also have a good running back. We have to play physical against them and we have to score touchdowns. We can’t kick field goals against them and expect to win, we have to score.
Let’s close talking about recruiting. How many offers do you have?
I have 10 offers.
Very nice. Which programs were the last couple to offer?
Missouri State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, and Western Illinois.
Lee’s Offer Sheet: Ball State, Bowling Green, Iowa, Iowa State, Kent State, Missouri State, Northeastern State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota, and Western Illinois
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Kansas and Kansas State.
On July 27, you released a top schools list with Iowa State, Ball State, and Iowa. Does that list still hold true?
I was talking to my coach about it. He asked me, “are you finalized with your top schools list? Are you just focused on those three schools?” Out of all the schools that have offered, I am focused on those three. I would accept offers from other schools. Out of my 10 offers, those are the three I am focused on.
With your top schools list, is there a commitment date in mind?
There is no exact date. As of right now, I plan on committing after the season once everything settles.
Makes sense, and you may be able to visit some schools in January. When you make your final decision, what will that one school have that fits into what works best for you at the next level?
My ideal fit, anything that feels like home with a good education. They cannot take an education away from you. Football comes and goes, you need a diploma.
Well said. Will, I appreciate your time today and wish you and the Pioneers success against Eureka this week.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Lee family; William Lee