Former Andalusia High School Bulldog Montel Lee was recently named the USA South Conference Defensive Player of the year for the Ferrum College Panthers.

“To be honest, it’s a blessing,” Lee said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the good man above.”

The junior defensive lineman became the first Panther to be named both USA South Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014).

Lee led the conference with 9.5 sacks this season and set the USA South career sacks record with 25.5.

All season, Lee wreaked havoc on opposing offenses with his high-motor attack.

“The motivation came just from the fact that I hate losing,” Lee said. “I was really locked in to what our coaches preached to us. We were all about the wins and not the individual awards because that will come eventually.”

Along with all the sacks, Lee has racked up an impressive 16.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage for a total of 98 yards. He now has 57 tackles for a loss in his three-year career.

“One of the most memorable moments this year was when we came back from 21 points down to win the Crooked Road Classic,” Lee said. “Another was when we stopped by and got to practice in the Atlanta Falcons facility.”

As for as his future, Lee plans to do something to give back to people.

“I just want to be able to help young students, or even families,” Lee said. “I plan on getting my degree in social work.”

Lee was also named a First-Team All-Conference defensive lineman for the third consecutive season. During the year he also collected and USA South Defensive Player of the Week and D3football.com National Team of the Week once this year.