Monmouth Football: Breaking down defensive star Deuce Lee

When Monmouth football needed a defensive anchor in 2024, Deuce Lee delivered. A strip at the goal line. A game-winning fumble recovery. These moments made Lee a defensive star for Monmouth, showing why he’s the heart of the Hawks’ defense.

In 2024, Lee finished third on the team in total tackles. Lee played in all 12 games, with nine starts at safety as a sophomore last year. He recorded 70 total tackles (47 solo tackles and 23 assists), five pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery for Monmouth.

The sophomore defensive back won CAA Defensive Player of the Week (Week 4, 2024) against FIU. He earned the award following his game-saving goal-line strip and recovery, clinching the win at FIU. His created turnover directly led to Monmouth’s first-ever win over an FBS opponent when the Hawks upset the Panthers.

After the conclusion of the 2024 season, Lee has accumulated over 100 total tackles during his career at Monmouth. During his freshman season, he logged 35 total tackles (20 solo, 15 assisted), two pass breakups, and one interception.

This film breakdown of Monmouth’s rising defensive star explores his technique, play recognition, and game-changing impact on the field.

Film Breakdown: Monmouth Star Deuce Lee

The Profile

• Position: Defensive Back
• Class: Sophomore
• Height/Weight: 5′11″, 185 lbs
• Birthplace: Silver Spring, MD

Deuce Lee’s Skillset

Coverage Ability

Lee offers excellent man-to-man coverage, shadowing receivers in press or off-man. On film, he consistently mirrors hips, maintains leverage, and closes space without grabbing and avoiding penalties. Within zone coverage, Lee displays excellent vision and anticipation, jumping underneath routes and squeezing throwing lanes.

For example, in the FIU game, Lee dropped into a shallow zone and quickly broke on an inside slant to stop a potential first down. His recognition and burst closed a 5-yard gap in under two seconds, showcasing his ball skills. 

Tackling

Monmouth football has a strong run-stopper in Lee. He isn’t afraid to come downhill. On film, he breaks quickly from the back end, squares up well, and wraps consistently. Lee performs extremely well during open-field situations. He lowers his hips, takes good angles, and finishes. Against Lehigh last season, he shot the B-gap on a delayed run and made a clean solo tackle for a 3-yard loss. 

Awareness

Lee is the vocal leader on the field for the Monmouth football team. He is active presnap, adjusting coverage calls and helping align defensive backs. Coaches trust him to identify formations and motion adjustments. Also, he doesn’t bite on double moves easily and has a natural feel for route combinations.

For example, against FIU, he sniffed out a screen before the ball left the quarterback’s hand, beating the block and forcing a fumble at the 1-yard line. That kind of awareness and ability leads Lee to be one of the best players along a talented defensive unit.

Ball Skills

Lee offers aggressive ball skills in the defensive secondary. He tracks the ball well in flight and has strong hands while defending passes. In 2023, Lee had a pick-six against Lehigh, showing off his hands, acceleration, and vision after the catch. He undercut a curl route, snatched the ball cleanly, and returned it 35 yards for a score, showing no hesitation.

Final Take

From watching Lee’s film, you can describe him as a “glue guy” and the leader of the secondary. He is always playing through the whistle, showing off his relentlessness. The film shows him sprinting to the ball even on the opposite side of the field. Lee is known for effort plays and intensity. 

Lee’s tape reveals a high football IQ, physical, and instinctual safety. He is the type of defensive back who lifts an entire defense. His pre-snap communication allows him to anticipate certain plays and routes. When you need a big stop, Lee will find a way to get the job done.