Lee ready to make impact on both sides of ball

Published 10:00 pm Wednesday, August 8, 2012

With new coaches and new coordinators come new playbooks and new schemes. Charles Henderson has plenty of each. Making the adjustment, as a player, can sometimes seem like a daunting task but wide receiver and strong safety Robert Lee is taking all in stride.

The off-season has been full of modifications for Lee as he has seen more work on the defensive side of the ball after spending last season as the Trojans’ primary receiver.

“I’ve been focusing more on defense because I’m used to being on offense,” Lee said. “ I need to get comfortable playing there. The offense will be good with or without me on the field but if I can go out and make a play that’s good, too.”

Sign up for our daily email newsletter

Get the latest news sent to your inbox

Head coach Mike Dean says that while Lee is spending more time with the defense, he will remain an integral part of the team’s offensive game plan.

“Robert helps us tremendously on defense, but he’s a weapon.” Dean said. “We’ve got to get the ball to him 8-12 times every game. Whether we’re throwing it to him, handing it to him, or snapping it to him, he’s got to touch the ball.”

Dean said when Lee is coupled with running back Courtney Downing gives the Trojans a double-threat in the backfield.

With 592 yards last season in a run-first offensive system, Lee came up just short of breaking the Charles Henderson single-season receiving record.

The Trojans finished 6-6 a year ago, but Lee feels the team is now ready to get over the hump.

“I don’t really know what the problem was last year,” Lee said. “Everyone on the team wants a championship. If we come up with anything less, it will be a disappointment.”

Having the opportunity to make plays on both sides of the ball is something Lee says excites him.

“I’m there for the team,” Lee said. “I’ve go to work on my tackling but I’m ready to make plays.”

Charles Henderson travels to Pike County High School for the annual Pike County Classic on Aug. 24 before opening the regular season against Bayside in Daphne on Aug. 31.