Blue Springs made a run to a Missouri state championship this year behind both a very good offense and defense. The breakout star of the team, though, was defensive end Elijah Lee.
Elijah Lee likes the styles of defense that Illinois and Nebraska play.
After putting up huge numbers on the year the 6-foot-3, 210-pound defender earned several postseason accolades, including being named the top linebacker or defensive lineman in the Kansas City area. Now he is starting to gain attention from colleges.
“I’ve talked to Nebraska, Mizzou, Illinois, Kansas, Iowa and K-State,” Lee said. “Nobody has offered me just yet but I’m going to go visit a lot of the places.”
Lee already has three junior day visits set up and hopes to schedule more as well.
“I’ve got some junior day visits planned,” he said. “I’m going to the one at Illinois, I believe it’s (Jan.) 26. Mizzou has one on Mar. 2 that I’m going to. Kansas has theirs Feb. 16. I haven’t gotten to discuss the actual junior days yet with Nebraska, Iowa or K-State.”
As far as his best possible fit at the next level, Lee says colleges see him as a versatile prospect.
“Most schools say they like me as a hybrid d-end/outside linebacker,” he said. “I’m probably more comfortable standing up but I can do either.”
Though the recruiting process is just beginning for Lee, he does admit that two schools’ defensive schemes are appealing to him.
“I’m a fan of Nebraska and how their d-ends play,” he said. “I also am a fan of Illinois and how their d-ends sometimes walk up and play as linebackers.”
Lee finished his junior season with 77 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
- Brian Perroni
- National Recruiting Analyst - 247Sports