Ole Miss Wide Receiver Cayden Lee is Ready to Shine When His Number is Called
OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss has assembled a wide receiver room consisting of talented players like Tre Harris, Juice Wells, Deion Smith, Jordan Watkins, and an upcoming star, Cayden Lee.
While we didn’t get to see too much live action from Lee last season, he says that dating back to last winter, his teammates anticipated success on the horizon for the freshman.
“I’d say probably when we were doing winter workouts, I gelled with the guys then, and some of the older guys said, ‘Wow, you really look good,’ so obviously that boosted my confidence.”
Cayden Lee on when he started clicking at Ole Miss
What you stay focused on will grow.keep Stacking Days! #ComeToTheSip pic.twitter.com/uTEBF1320Y
— George McDonald (@CoachGMcDonald) March 20, 2024
The true sophomore’s most productive game of 2023 happened to occur against the No. 1 rated overall defense in the nation, Penn State, in the Peach Bowl. Due to Jordan Watkins’ injury status at the time, Lee found out he would be starting “a day or two” before the game would kick off in Atlanta.
Somehow, Cayden still managed to catch three passes, collect 29 yards, and average 9.7 yards per catch.
A highlight of the Peach Bowl was watching Cayden Lee who played like 50 snaps this season be basically uncoverable by the "No 1 Defense"
— Steven Willis (@TheStevenWillis) January 1, 2024
Heading into the offseason, Lee could’ve easily thrown his name into the transfer portal after not getting as many opportunities at wide receiver as he might have liked, but his connection with two specific coaches helped him understand the impact of waiting his turn.
“My relationship with Coach Kiffin and (offensive coordinator) Coach (Charlie) Weis,” Cayden Lee said in regards to why he stayed with Ole Miss.
“I have a great relationship with them and just the production of receivers that they have. We had three receivers over 700 (yards) last year. Not any other school in the country was able to do that, so that just speaks for itself.”[/perfectpullquote]
Cayden Lee
Charlie Weis on young WRs: "Ayden Williams and Cayden Lee have really bright futures…those two guys have had a fantastic mindset all season…I'm really excited to see those guys move into next season and take on bigger roles next season….They're going to be special."
— The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) December 28, 2023
Cayden is confident that “the moment is going to shine for everybody at some point,” ensuring that when his name is called, he’ll be ready just as he was against Penn State.
Cayden also described his recently developed relationship with wide receiver’s coach George McDonald, who was hired in late January.
“I love Coach McDonald. I had a great relationship with Coach Nix, but Coach McDonald came in, and we gelled right away. We got some sushi, talked it over, talked ball, and he’s a really good coach, I know he’s put a lot of people in the NFL.“
Caden Lee offering his thoughts on George McDonald
Ole Miss spring football culminates with the Grove Bowl on April 13. For more spring football coverage, be sure to stay tuned with The Rebel Walk. Hotty Toddy!
