Chris Lee

Defensive Lineman – Senior

Norfolk State

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?   

 

Chris Lee:  I was 6’2 ½, 290 and 5.01 last week.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

Chris Lee:  At Virginia Beach. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from you at the Pro Day? 

 

Chris Lee:  I had a pro day on Monday at Old Dominion and at Richmond on Tuesday.  I wanted to show teams that I could do it a second time.  I improved on some numbers during the second pro day.  I improved on my vertical and I looked more comfortable and fluid in the drills.  I think that I improved on my short shuttle and the L-drill as well.  Richmond pro day went a lot better for me. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you? 

 

Chris Lee:  I had a lot of D-II schools.  Morgan State and Norfolk State came in and offered me.  I didn’t know much about them.  I did the research and found out that both schools were fairly close to my home.  My family can come and see me play.      

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Norfolk State?

 

Chris Lee:  I knew that I would be comfortable there.  Norfolk State felt like home to me.  This was the best school and option for me.  I wasn’t a big guy recruit.  I wasn’t a star of my team in high school.  I played FB and DE in high school.  Norfolk State looked at me as a TE and FB.  I switched to the DL my sophomore year.  They switched me to my favorite position.  I wanted to play DL in college.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career. 

 

Chris Lee:  Freshman year was different.  It was the last year of the previous coaching staff.  I have never been through a coaching change before.  The new coaches came in and changed everyone’s mindset.  I started playing defense.  There was a different attitude that the coaches had.  Individually, I was able to do different things.  I felt more free going into my sophomore year.  My first collegiate start at DL was against Rutgers.  Then I played against ODU and Marshall that same season.  Those were my first games.  I made 37 or 38 consecutive starts from the second game of my sophomore year up until my senior year.  It shows that Coach Scott trusted me.  They understood that I am here for the team.  My sophomore year was my best season.  I proved that I could play DL.  I led the team in sacks and TFL’s three years in a row. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Chris Lee:  I am a smart football player.  I know where I have to be.  I have very violent hands.  I am able to understand the defense.  I want to know everything.  I am very nosy.  I want to know where LB’s, CB’s and safeties are supposed to be on defense.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon? 

 

Chris Lee:  I am quick off the ball, but I want to be quicker.  I want to know the game more and have more violent hands. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point? 

 

Chris Lee:  I lost two of my teammates to gun violence this past year.  One of them we lost the day before the homecoming game.  It was a long day.  It was tough losing a teammate and playing with high emotion.  I had career highs that day against Savannah State.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

 

Chris Lee:  My dad is from the DC area.  I am a Redskins fan. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are you thoughts on the Redskins letting Kirk Cousins go?

 

Chris Lee:  He has done so well for the organization.  They brought in Alex Smith.  He brings a lot to the table, but Kirk Cousins is at the peak of his career.  I think getting rid off him wasn’t a smart deal.  My dad wasn’t too happy. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player? 

 

Chris Lee:  Before every football game, I watched Aaron Donald.  He is one of the best DL in the league.  I look up to him.  It would be great to play with him or workout with him. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL? 

 

Chris Lee:  Quick thinking.  The guy in front of you knows what he will do before the snap.  It is all about how you will adjust and beat the OL across from you.  You have to do your job as fast as possible. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season? 

 

Chris Lee:  #5 WR Marcus Taylor has been showing up in every game since he got here.  DL Nigel Chavis has two more years left.  He will be a problem.  He is a hybrid DE/OLB.  Safety Bobby Price is a freak athlete.  He will be a junior.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced during your career?

 

Chris Lee:  Tarik Cohen from North Carolina A&T.  He is a different kind of RB.  He is solid and explosive.  The effort you have to put forward in order to beat him.  He has all of the records in the MEAC.  He is an aggressive RB.  You don’t expect it from him at his size.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football? 

 

Chris Lee:  A lot of people can’t play this game.  I have the opportunity, and it makes me feel good.  I want to do it for those people.  I can’t take this game for granted. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies? 

 

Chris Lee:  I graduated already.  I don’t have any classes anymore.  I like to relax.  I watch TV and play Xbox.  I hang out with my little brother.  I like going to the movies with my girlfriend. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over? 

 

Chris Lee:  I got my degree in mass communications.  I want to use my degree in the Virginia area.  I want to get into broadcasting and news.  I already have a lot of opportunities thanks to my fraternity brothers. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Chris Lee is….

 

Chris Lee:  Determined.