Andalusia High School graduate Montel Lee recently wrapped up his college football career at Ferrum College and earned his second USA South Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award.

Along with Defensive Player of the Year, Lee was named to the All-Conference team for the fourth time.

“It’s meant a lot to me,” Lee said of his time playing college football. “Just to experience some of the things I have experienced is a blessing.”

Even with all of the accolades coming his way, Lee said it’s more important for him to see his teammates succeed.

“One thing I have learned is you don’t have all the time to enjoy yourself and individual awards,” Lee said. “Take joy in seeing your teammates achieve things. It was very heartwarming to see some teammates get their first All-Conference awards.”

Lee said that he is majoring in education with a minor in coaching.

“At some point, I would like to coach,” Lee said. “Right now, I’m also trying to pursue my dreams of playing professional ball one day.”

This season for Ferrum, Lee cemented his spot in the school’s record books.

Lee had 14 sacks this season and 41 total sacks in this four-year career at Ferrum. He holds the school’s records for sacks in a game, season and career.

By earning All-Conference honors all four seasons at Ferrum, Lee becomes just the fifth Ferrum student-athlete to hold that achievement. He is the first football player in school history to accomplish that feat.

Lee finished the season with 33 solo tackles and 12 assists.

He was responsible for 24 tackles behind the line of scrimmage for a total of 144 yards.

He also forced four fumbles and had one fumble recovery for five yards.

For the year, Lee helped lead Ferrum to an 8-2 and helped the Panthers roll off six-straight wins to close out the season.

Lee will be among 14 players that the Panthers lose to graduation.