If you’re a wide receiver in Jacksonville whose first name isn’t Allen, it might be difficult for you to gain recognition and emerge from the shadow of arguably the league’s best tandem. But that’s exactly what Marqise Lee has been doing this summer, as the third-year pro has reportedly out-shined teammates Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns thus far in the offseason.
“Any given moment he could be that home-run hitter,” Hurns said of Lee in June, via Mike DiRocco of ESPN. “He’s very explosive, so it could be just giving him a shallow route or him catching a bubble, things that he did at USC.”
The Jaguars would be in great shape if Lee could replicate his production at USC. In three seasons with the Trojans Lee totaled 2,864 yards receiving, a school record, and 25 touchdowns to go with a fourth-place finish in the 2012 Heisman race. His success in college led him to the No. 39 draft selection and the investment finally appears to be paying off for Jacksonville.
After battling injuries his first two years – ankle in 2014 and knee in 2015 – Lee said he’s “feeling 100 percent” and has all the confidence that his health will hold up for him to make an impact in the Jags’ promising offense.
“It’s been a while for me to be out here like this,” Lee said. “This is the most confident I’ve been. My body’s feeling [great]. (Injuries) is not a problem and I know (the questions about my health are) going to end. I know that for a fact.”
Lee added that his goal was to finish OTAs and minicamp strong and dive into training camp will a full head of steam. So far, it’s all gone as planned. According to team senior beat writer John Oehser, Lee’s made the case for a “far bigger role” as his play throughout the summer has garnered expectations of bringing a new dimension to the offense.
Coordinator Greg Olson would seem to support that assessment.
“Really excited about (Lee),” Olson said at the conclusion of mini-camp . “He’s in a great place mentally. Not only health-wise he’s doing better, but he’s got a better understanding of the overall offense.” Compared to last season, Olson said, Lee has shown more ability and explosiveness, in addition the cerebral aspect of the game.
This is a new chapter in Lee’s career. For a player who has caught just 52 passes in 23 games, the 24-year old has restored the hope that he can make a difference and provide yet another rising star to the young and promising Jaguars team. If there’s an under-the-radar offensive player to keep an eye on this training camp, it’s Marqise Lee.
