There are plenty of distractions out there for a college quarterback.

Whether it's preparing for evading the rush of a 300-pound defender or just dealing with newfound popularity around campus, there are plenty of ways to become sidetracked.

But Mississippi State's Tyson Lee is not your typical quarterback. Lee has his goals and ideals set a lot higher than your typical 20-year old.

"What I am most passionate about is seeing people's lives changed," Lee said. "I'm passionate about helping others. I want to see guys come to know Christ. I want to see guys really get focused about life. I've grown up and seen a lot of guys get off track. That's why I want to become a teacher and eventually a principal and a coach. I definitely hope I can steer guys in the right direction and have an influence on them the same way other people had an influence on me."

It was Lee's faith that led him to Starkville. Most junior college All-American quarterbacks have recruiters breaking down the door to sign them, but that wasn't the case for Lee. After throwing for 4,432 yards and 31 touchdowns during his career at Itawamba Community College, Lee only had a handful of Division II schools contact him. Lee felt like his 5-foot-11 height caused most schools to be wary.

"I guess it's the short syndrome," Lee said. "But God did a lot there with all the awards. Looking back now it's amazing what all He has done and what He did while I was there. Even when all of that happened, I talked to a few Division II schools towards the end of my sophomore season. But it wasn't anywhere where my heart was. I knew if I wanted to dedicate the next two years to something that I wanted to go where my heart was. I felt like my heart was here at Mississippi State."

Lee decided to take a chance and walk-on to the Bulldog program back in the spring. The gamble paid off as he not only made the team, but also earned a scholarship from head coach Sylvester Croom in the process.



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