Lee named MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week

Posted on September 12, 2016

ISU offensive linemen (from left) Ryan Gelber, Dan Pawlak, Kyle Avaloy and Cameron Lee (in back) show different talents on media day last month. (Bryan Bloodworth/WJBC photo)

By ISU Sports Information

NORMAL – The Illinois State offensive line set the tempo in Saturday’s 9-7 victory over Big Ten foe Northwestern, and right guard Cameron Lee was instrumental in the Redbirds’ success up front against the Wildcats. For his efforts, Lee was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week Monday by the league office.

The Oakwood, Illinois, native stood toe-to-toe with the Northwestern defensive front grading out at 96 percent, while not allowing a sack and being credited with five knockdown blocks. When the Redbird offense needed a score late in the game, the offensive line took control and led the team downfield to put kicker Sean Slattery in position for the game winner. Lee and his teammates protected redshirt sophomore Jake Kolbe well, who went 7-for-7 for 63 yards on a drive that took just over three minutes off the clock and ultimately resulted in Slattery’s 33-yard field goal to win it.

Lee helped the Redbirds outgain the Wildcats in total yards, 372 to 277, and helped Kolbe set careerhighs with 30 completions for 287 yards in the victory for the Redbirds. Lee and his teammates also stood tall late in the second quarter, leading the way for George Moreira to score the lone touchdown for the Redbirds in the game.

Lee and the No. 5-ranked Redbirds (2-0, 0-0 MVFC) will host in-state rival Eastern Illinois (1-1, 0-0 MVFC) Saturday in the Mid-America Classic at Hancock Stadium on Family Weekend. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. CT, and the game will be broadcast live on CSN Chicago and streamed live on ESPN3.

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