2020 IL DL Shawn Lee Visiting This Weekend

Shawn Lee‍ has never been to a college football game, but that will change in a couple of days when the 2020 Illinois defensive lineman takes an unofficial to Notre Dame for the Irish’s game against Ball State on Saturday afternoon.

“They emailed my head coach,” the 6-foot-3, 290-pounder explained. “Then, he forwarded it to me and that was the best game I could go to.

“It was good to hear that coaches are looking at me. I think I sent them one email and they sent me a game invite, so that means I’m doing something good and I want to keep doing it.”

Lee said he’s excited for the experience.

“It’s my first college visit,” said Lee, who added that he’s looking forward to seeing the atmosphere in South Bend.

“I heard Notre Dame is always a good game atmosphere. I haven’t been to a college game, so I just want to see what it feels like.”

Lee plays at Downers Grove South High School, the same school that produced former Irish long snapper Scott Daly.

“I know they’ve got a long history of good players who come from there,” he said. “I know they have good top talent and top coaches.”

In addition to the Irish, Lee has been hearing from schools like Michigan State, Illinois, Cincinnati, Western Michigan and Ball State.

“I’ve been talking to Michigan State a lot,” he said. “They came into my school three times last year.

“Cincinnati has been recruiting me pretty hard since (Sept.) 1st.”

Lee figures to be a defender at the never level, but will get some different action this season.

“Since our team needs more on offense, I’m playing offensive tackle,” he said. “I’m coming in at d-line, but later I’ll be playing both ways.

“I think I move well. I think I have a pretty good motor. I’m not perfect technique-wise, so I think that makes up for some of it.”

He has an idea of what he’ll be looking for in a college when it comes time to pick one.

“A good education program, that’s first. And something that feels like home that can take care of me.”