When Denzel Lee Denzel Lee 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Cherry Hill East | 2025 State NJ is lined up in the backfield, expect the next play to resemble that of a track meet. Also a track star, Lee rushed for 1465 yards and 18 scores last year on 148 carries, while making good on 91 yards and 1 score on 6 receptions – simply lighting the turf on fire in his final 5 games of th season, where he rushed for no less than 170 yards in any given contest while scoring in each. My eyes tell me that when unimpeded, Lee hits his top speed in about 4 steps while prioritizing ball security as he emphasizes the 5 points of pressure as he carries the rock. Needless to say, he has the speed to beat linebackers to the edge. Although he does not showcase the flashiest of moves, much of Lee’s success comes from following his track and ripping big gainers due to his burst. I like how Lee manipulates his speed too. At times we see him ever so subtly slow down to manipulate defenders and change direction. Sometimes we even see him take a step backwards, trusting his speed to recover the lost ground, to set up a better angle for him to gain the edge. Additionally, we see Lee lowering his pad level as he encroaches through the line of scrimmage. To me, I want to see Lee with the ball in the open field more. Especially with Bowman serving as a mismatch nightmare for linebackers and safeties, if the Cougars can get Lee the ball as an outlet pass catcher behind Bowman, it will be a long season for opposing defenses.

Lee’s season started a little slow through the first 3 games; however, since then he has been on an absolute tear. In the last game of the season for Cherry Hill East, Lee saved his best for last as he had his most productive of the season. In a 43-12 victory over Overbrook, Lee slashed 25/242/4 in the game – setting new season highs in yardage and attempts and tying a season high in touchdowns.

Cherry Hill East was able to notch their first win of the season last week on the road at Holy Cross Prep, a 56-25 victory. A big part of what worked and went right for Cherry Hill East was the play of Lee, their junior tailback. Lee ran for 236 yards and for his first 4 TDs of the season on just 14 totes, averaging an impressive 16.8 yards per carry. Lee and the rest of the Cougars will look to double-up this coming week against an upstart-and-surprising West Windsor-Plainsboro team.