LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, PA (October 26, 2008) - Versatility is a key component in creating leaders on and off the football field. Junior Frank Lee III (New Orleans, LA/Belle Chasse) and freshman biology major Jordan Jones (Miami, Fla./North Miami Beach HS) (Miami, FL/North Miami Beach) displayed their willingness to accept change in a recent 54-0 loss to Virginia State.
Both Lee and Jones saw action on offense and defense for the Lions adding an extra spark that made it tough for Virginia State.
“It wasn't difficult because I used to play both ways in high school,” said Jones. “It was just different because I had to get my swagger back.”
Lee who normally starts at left tackle for the Lions adjusted to the change by collecting a pair of tackles and assisting on another. Lee was the first Lincoln player to be brought in by coach Olabaniji Abanishe.
“Frank is a selfless player,” said coach Abanishe. “He knows what we ask for of our guys, what we're about and what we expect of the team.”
Before transferring to Lincoln, Lee played at Langston University in Oklahoma under coach Abanishe. Lee was an all-star basketball player until the age of 13 before making the transition to football.
“I felt like I would have a better opportunity here,” said Lee. “I feel like we could have a chance to start something great.”
Like Lee, Jones, who starts at center, adjusted well to protecting the ball on both sides of the field. Defensively Jones collected a career high seven tackles.
“Jordan is an emotional leader and smart player, he earned his way to becoming a captain on the team,” said coach Abanishe. “He has been on the forefront on and off the team as a player and a great student. He is the epitome of what an LU player should be.”
Coach Abanishe said neither Lee nor Jones had practiced with the defense this year and he feels as though they made the best of it and played hard.
“I love challenges,” said Jones. “Whatever is in the best interest of the team I am willing to do.”
Jones said the biggest change in playing football at the collegiate level is not always having his family and friends to cheer him on and putting more emphasis on his school work.
According to Lee the Lion's were always one block, one catch and one read away from turning the score around.
“I expected to compete and win,” said Lee. “I know you can't always win but I expected make it a competitive game regardless of the score board.”
Outside of adapting to the changes on the field, Lee and Jones had to adapt to life changing experiences. Both Lee and Jones are proud parents who expressed how difficult it is for them to attend Lincoln while leaving their children in the care of their families.
"Leaving my son Jordan Jr. was difficult for me because I am missing some of his greatest moments from walking to running that can never be replaced," said Jones. "It's hard for me to have to listen to my mother brag about how much he is growing."
Jones and Lee hope to continue making big plays on the field and in life.
--LU--
