February 13, 2004

Vanderbilt 2004 Recruiting Class Expands to 20

2/13/2004

Vanderbilt adds placekicker to 2004 signing class

Vanderbilt 2004 Recruiting Class Expands to 20
Team Inks Missouri Kicker To Letter of Intent

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Daniel Lee, regarded as one of the nation’s top kickers by several recruiting services, has signed a scholarship to play football at Vanderbilt, Commodore Head Coach Bobby Johnson said today.

“In an attempt to improve our kicking game, we felt it was necessary to sign a solid prospect. I’m very pleased to add an athlete of Daniel’s ability,” the Vanderbilt head coach said. Lee is expected to compete with several other active Commodores for the starting job this fall.

Vanderbilt’s inconsistency in the kicking game was an area of concern in 2003. While opponents converted on 19 of 22 field goals, the Commodores were successful on just six of 12 attempts. The Commodores did not convert a field goal attempt of more than 38 yards.

Lee’s signing is expected to close Vanderbilt’s recruiting class. The Commodores inked 20 players, including seven defensive line prospects, three Mr. Football recipients and several running back prospects.

Lee, a two-year varsity letterman at Park Hill South, was considered one of the nation’s top kickers despite attempting few field goals during his senior season. He received All-American recognition from several recruiting services, including Prepstar magazine and CBS Sportsline. He earned all-district and all-conference honors at Park Hill South. One of his four field goals was a last-second game winner.

“I think Daniel is an excellent pickup for Vanderbilt, a good fit on and off the field. He did a good job making field goals for us, even though he didn’t get many attempts because we wanted touchdowns,” Park Hill South Head Coach Ron Litchfield said.

Lee transferred to Park Hill South from nearby Blue Springs High School as a junior. As a sophomore, he was the kickoff specialist for a nationally ranked Blue Springs sqyad.

Last summer, Lee was a standout at numerous camps. He was selected MVP of the LSU Kicking Camp, and ranked first in accuracy at both the Florida State and Kansas State camps.