Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

Qushaun Lee didn’t miss a step.

That was clear last Thursday when the sophomore linebacker turned in one of the best games his two-year career. He led Arkansas State with 12 tackles, deflected one pass and had his first interception of the season against Florida International.

Lee’s performance came after sitting out a game for a suspension handed down by the Sun Belt Conference and was instrumental in securing ASU’s first Sun Belt victory of the season, a week after the Red Wolves had both their SBC and home stadium winning streaks snapped in a loss to Western Kentucky. It also earned Lee recognition as the Sun Belt’s Defensive Player of the Week.

“He is an impact player, there is no doubt,” Red Wolves Coach Gus Malzahn said. “He was greatly missed two weeks ago and came back with a big statement game. He is really turning himself into one of the better players in the league.”

ASU surrendered 26 unanswered, second-half points to WKU and more than 220 yards rushing to Antonio Andrews. All of this happened while Lee watched from the sidelines.

“It’s a lot different. You know you just what to be on the field trying to make plays,” said Lee. “With me being on the sidelines, I did what I could to try and help my team out.”

It was a minor setback for the sophomore, who patterns his game after the Baltimore Ravens' Ray Lewis and hopes to become a high school football coach. Lee said he tried to learn from the suspension and while he could not make any big plays against the Hilltoppers, he made one of the biggest against FIU.

Lee intercepted quarterback Loran Hammonds at the Panther’s 28 with 7:31 left in the third quarter; it was the second interception for ASU in the game. Lee recognized the formation and route almost immediately and broke on the ball for his third career interception.

Arkansas State used the turnover to set up David Oku for one of his three touchdowns that gave the Red Wolves a 27-10 lead.

That particular play highlighted Lee’s playmaking ability. Arkansas State also gets a dose of leadership from the Prattville, Ala., native, teammates said.

“It’s just great to have him around, he’s a great leader and he makes plays,” said defensive back Sterling Young.

While the FIU game was a statement for Lee after his suspension, the victory was important for a team looking to repeat as conference champion.