BLOG 67: C.J. Lee bounces back from early-season injury

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State’s C.J. Lee celebrates a big hit during Ferris State’s home game against Wayne State last weekend in Big Rapids. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – It’s already been a season of highs and lows for Ferris defensive back C.J. Lee, a New York native who transferred in from Alfred State.

Lee, a hard-hitting safety noted for bringing energy and emotion to the defensive backfield, was sidelined with an injury that cost him much of the preseason and “bothered” him through the Tiffin game and right up until the week-two showdown at Ashland (his first of the 2008 season). Since that time, however, Lee has mostly worn a big smile as he has joined his teammates and come to appreciate the privilege of playing college football.

“It was one of the best feelings in the world to get through all of those injuries and then to finally get back on the field and just be able to go at it,” said the 6-foot-3 and 200-pound Lee, who has played in seven games with four starts and has 14 solo tackles and a total of 22 in his second and final campaign at Ferris. “It was a good feeling for me to get back to being myself and to be able to get on the field during games and be able to help my teammates in games.”

Ferris’ push toward the playoffs took a major step back following a 19-0 loss at home to Wayne State last Saturday at Top Taggart Field. For Lee and his teammates, it was a bitter pill to swallow.

“It’s very disappointing to have had a game like that because we had our playoff destiny in our hands and we just didn’t get it done … a lot of small things just came back and hurt us,” Lee said. “It definitely hurts.”

Lee, the father of a son, RaeQuin, knows the team has to bounce back and show its maturity and mettle this week as it prepares to host Northwood.

“It starts with practice and getting back to the basics and getting our focus back,” Lee said. “I know one thing about this team – we’re not going to quit.”

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com