Coach Speak: Amite coach breaks down new LSU signee Devonta Lee

At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Devonta Lee is a physical freak capable of making plays on either the offensive or defensive side of the ball and in an array of different positions.

So, where will the Tigers be able to benefit from utilizing Lee?

Amite (La.) head coach Zephaniah Powell, who also coached now Alabama junior wide receiver DeVonta Smith, believes Lee will also be a force on offense.

“They’re getting an explosive athlete, a physical athlete, a strong athlete and a kid that wants to compete every day … in every running session, every film session, every practice session, every 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 session,” Powell told Rivals. “He’s a kid that lives, eats and breathes his craft, football, and takes coaching perspective. They’re getting that type of kid, one that’s hungry and wants to excel.”

An array of different LSU coaches have played roles in the 4-star prospect’s recruitment. The charge was led by wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph, but offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, who’s preparing for his second year at the helm, also helped appeal to Lee.

Ensminger likes Lee at wide receiver, but won’t limit his role to one position.

“They envision him as an Evan Engram type,” Powell began. “He’s going to end up getting bigger, and with that, he’ll become a mismatch. You can attach him to the line and he’s physical enough to play at the line or motion him off and get him on a route. He’d be a hard match-up for a linebacker or split out wide against a corner. He’s fast enough to get by. He’s definitely going to be an offensive weapon, and when I’ve talked to Coach O and Coach E, that’s the path they’d like to do with him.”

Lee has been a nationally relevant recruit since his sophomore year at Amite. He caught college’s attention as the No. 2 option in the passing game opposite the aforementioned Smith and eventually garnered more targets and produced more when he emerged as the top option.

Lee’s work ethic on the field parallels his work ethic off it. LSU is getting a blue-chipper in both regards.

“I noticed in his first high school he was special,” Powell recalled. “As an eighth-grader, he excelled against Kentwood. He did great, He wasn’t big-eyed and the moment didn’t get to him; he went out and performed, and since then he’s been on the steady track to go further and further up.

“He’s very personable. You wouldn’t know he played football if you walked up to him in a store. He’d just talk to you. He’s conversational, down to earth and a very humble kid for a kid of his status. He’s probably one of the most unselfish kids I’ve ever coached. There have been situations where we’re doing 1-on-1s and install stuff, and when he’s not going he’s working with our young guys on stances and getting off the press with their hands.”