Lehigh University Athletics
Lembo praises program's rising stars
8/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Although many student-athletes have performed well thus far, a few new names that may be new to Lehigh football fans have caught the eye of fourth year head coach Pete Lembo. On the defensive side of the ball, junior defensive back Andrew Nelson has impressed Lembo through the team’s first twenty practices. “Drew is becoming the kind of player we had hoped he would become when we recruited him,” Lembo explains. “He runs extremely well for his size, and is very explosive. Drew has matured physically and mentally and is blossoming in our new defensive system. We are also counting on him to make an impact on several special teams units."
Offensively, Lembo points out a couple of young players who have made an impact in camp thus far. One such up-and-comer is sophomore wide receiver Lee Thomas. “Lee has had an impressive preseason,” Lembo notes. “He possesses many of the same skills that we saw from a young Josh Snyder: great hands, good change of direction, and some wiggle after the catch. While he lacks game experience, Lee has the toughness and savvy that you look for in a possession receiver in this passing system."
Freshman offensive lineman Jimmy Kehs has also made an early impact on Lembo. “Jimmy has a terrific combination of size and athleticism that is not often seen at the I-AA level,” Lembo said. “Perhaps more importantly, he is learning our complex offensive system at a rapid pace. Jimmy's athleticism and football sense are similar to [former all-league tackle)] Oscar Guerrero's, but he has an opportunity to be much more powerful than Oscar was if he continues to work hard at it."
The Mountain Hawks as a whole will continue to work hard, with nine more practice dates before the season gets underway. Lehigh hosts Stony Brook in its season opener at Goodman Stadium on September 4. The Mountain Hawks boast the highest winning percentage in all of I-AA football over the last six seasons, winning over 83.5% of their games. Tickets to the Stony Brook contest – and all Lehigh home games – can be purchased by calling (610) 7LU-GAME, or on-line anytime at lehighsports.com.
