Lee Fitting Right In
August 11, 2023 | Football, Joel Coleman
New Bulldog adds experienced depth to State’s stable of running backs.
STARKVILLE – Life is all about adapting.
That's certainly been the case for new Mississippi State running back Keyvone Lee of late. The Penn State transfer and Florida native has spent the last few weeks getting to know his new teammates, familiarizing himself with offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay's scheme and reintroducing himself to the heat in the South.
"Way more," Lee quickly said on Friday when asked to compare the Magnolia State's humidity to that he's experienced at practices the last three years in the Northeast.
Don't expect warm conditions to slow down Lee though. The six-foot, 225-pounder isn't afraid to have sweat on his brow. When it comes to hard work, Lee's attitude is, 'Bring it on.' It's a big reason he chose to continue his career at MSU to begin with.
"The culture here, [hard work] is what's thrived on," Lee said. "That's what I do, too. Putting both of us together, it's a good match."
Mix in Lee's get-after-it attitude with his talent and it's easy to see why he's been quickly viewed as a perfect addition to State's stable of running backs. Throw in his past production as well and it's not hard to envision Lee being a huge piece for the Dawgs in the season to come.
This is a guy who's already rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his collegiate career, averaging nearly five yards per carry. This is a guy who knows how to find paydirt, totaling seven career touchdowns.
Lee's Mississippi State ceiling is incredibly high. The key to getting there for him is simply (here's that word again) adapting.
"I've kind of just come in here like a freshman all over again," Lee said. "Coming from Penn State, it's different…The terms we use here are different. So, it's kind of like being a freshman coming in and learning everything over from day one. You've got to learn the drills. You've got to learn what we're doing in the weight room and how everybody goes about it. It was definitely a transition, but from where I started to where I am now, I feel like it's come a long way."
It's no surprise Lee is getting more and more comfortable. That's what happens when you're committed to your craft.
Lee's dedication has also had an added benefit as he's quickly won over his teammates.
"He's a guy that works hard and all he cares about is working," quarterback Will Rogers said of Lee. "He doesn't say a whole lot, but when you're out there in practice and it's the last couple of periods and everybody's tired, he's one of the main guys speaking up and talking in the huddle. That's a great sign to see from him."
Lee's fellow running backs have been just as impressed, so much so they've been right by his side from the jump.
"Really, all the running backs rallied around me," Lee shared. "They all helped me and pushed me to learn my plays, even when we had off days. They'd come in with me and we'd just sit down and learn the offense and the signals and all that."
Lee's progression is set to continue over the next few weeks leading up to MSU's September 2 season opener. His next chance to impress will come on Saturday as the Bulldogs hold their first scrimmage of the preseason.
It's a chance for Lee to gauge how he measures up and just how well he's adapted so far.
No surprise. He's chomping at the bit.
"Yeah, ready for sure," Lee said. "We've all been preparing and working hard for the opportunity. Now, we're fixing to go see."
