FZN Senior Jalen Lee recently signed a “Letter of Intent” to attend South Dakota State University, located in Brookings, South Dakota. A standout on the gridiron for the Panthers, while playing on both sides of the ball, Lee plans to focus on the defensive side of the ball for the Jackrabbits. Lee was a three-year starter for the Panthers, helping the team win three conference titles (2019, 2020, 2021) and appear in two (2019, 2020) “Final Fours.” During his senior campaign, Lee recorded 64 tackles and nabbed 3 interceptions, while be widely recognized as the conference’s “shut-down” defensive back. He also rushed for 394 yards and 6 touchdowns. For his efforts, Lee was selected the 2021 GAC Central “Player of the Year.” Accolades for Lee were commonplace during his three years on the varsity football team at FZN, as he was twice named an “All-State” defensive back, and was a three-time “All-Conference” and “All-District” performer.
South Dakota State is a traditional power in the NCAA’s FCS division. The Jackrabbits, which play in the powerful Missouri Valley Football Conference, are currently 11 – 3 on the season. The team is slated to play in the semi-final round of the FCS playoffs this Saturday. While playing in the MVC, Lee will match-up former teammates Cairo Payne (Missouri State) and Izaiah Hartrup (SIU) in conference action. Lee chose South Dakota State because of the team atmosphere and strong football program. He plans to major in business.