Lee Named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week
November 18, 2002 | Football
Nov. 18, 2002
University of Louisville linebacker Chad Lee was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week after helping to lead the Cardinals past Southern Miss, 20-17, in double-overtime in front of a national audience on ESPN last Thursday.
A senior from Brandenton, Fla., in his second full season at linebacker after starting his career on the defensive line, Lee tallied nine tackles, forced one fumble and recovered two to help the Cards to their third straight victory over Southern Miss. Lee's biggest play came with less than eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the game knotted at 17-17. USM had the ball at the Cardinals' 20-yard-line, but Lee forced and then recovered a fumble by Derrick Nix.
Behind the stellar play of Lee, U of L became the first C-USA team to claim two victories in Hattiesburg since Southern Miss joined the league in 1996. Prior to last Thursday, only three C-USA teams (East Carolina, TCU and Louisville) had ever claimed a victory at M.M. Roberts Stadium, more commonly referred to as The Rock.
For the season, Lee ranks fourth on the Cards with 70 tackles, including four for loss, and has forced and recovered two fumbles.
