Iowa State running back commit Dylan Lee attended an in-state U.S. Army Bowl camp last year at Hickory High School in Arizona.
He knew he performed well at the camp, and suspected he may be picked to play in the annual prep all-star game, but it still came as a surreal moment when his phone rang early this week.
“It’s just a good opportunity, not only for me but for my family as well,” Lee said of getting the invite to play in the game. “When I went to the camp, they said they were pretty impressed. I felt like I was going to get an invite towards the end of my senior year. That ended up coming and I’m super glad.”
The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder out of Williams Field High School will join an Iowa State running back room next season that includes another player that participated in the game in Abu Sama.
After being selected, Lee got to let his coaches know about it, and quickly learned how extensive the game’s history is.
“They were stoked,” Lee said. “I just told them I didn’t really know how big it was at first. I knew the Army game for a long time was big at first, but seeing the guys who have played in it – it’s an honor for me.”
The game will be played on Monday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. CT and will be televised on the Bally Sports Network.
After that, he’ll enroll early to join the multi-headed rushing attack that’s currently in Ames for spring practices.
“It was definitely a surreal moment,” Lee said. “At the end of the day, it’s all God. To be able to get the opportunity to play the game, it’s just super fulfilling – and a great way to end your senior season. I just can’t wait to get up there, get some things started and have a good experience before I get up to Iowa.”