Southern Utah University Picks Up Commitment from RB Da'Mariae Lee |
The Bakersfield High School running back received an offer from the Thunderbirds |
Every summer, football prospect camps in Cedar City draw talent from across the West, offering opportunities that can reshape a young athlete’s future.
This summer’s camp turned especially memorable for Da'Mariae Lee, a rising prospect from Bakersfield.
His journey through Southern Utah football recruiting highlights just how important local camps can be for those chasing the next level.
Standing out among dozens of hopefuls, Lee impressed the entire Thunderbirds coaching staff with his energy and versatility on the field.
The camp became more than just drills and evaluations—it served as Lee’s entry point to a new chapter in Cedar City’s competitive football environment.
Coach Jarrell Harrison and Head Coach DeLane Fitzgerald both took personal interest in Lee’s development, setting the stage for what would become his first Division I offer.
Lee described the experience as warm and welcoming, emphasizing the genuine belief the staff placed in his abilities.
The family feel around the Thunderbirds program left a lasting impression on the young athlete.
According to residents familiar with Cedar City's sports scene, these prospect camps have grown in popularity, offering more access to regional programs and college exposure than ever before.
The impact goes beyond the field—young athletes are building relationships, learning local culture, and choosing Cedar City as their next home.
Lee’s recent high school season saw him rack up solid stats, but it was the promise of growth and belonging at Southern Utah that tipped the scales in his recruiting decision.
For players and families watching from the stands, Lee's commitment signals new ambition for Southern Utah football recruiting, as coaches continue to prioritize both athletic ability and fit within their program values.
With Southern Utah’s reputation for rugged, inspiring landscapes paired with passionate community support, it’s clear why more athletes are looking to make their mark here.
Camps in Cedar City aren’t just tests of skill—they’re launching pads for dreams, and this summer, Da'Mariae Lee's experience proved exactly that. |
33 Comments
Join the conversation
Hope he has a great career here. Cedar City could use more stories like this one.
PatriciaHolmsAgreed! These are the kinds of stories that make you proud to live here. Hoping he loves it as much as we do.
These camps are legit launching pads like the article says. Seen it happen more than once with guys from our area.
Bakersfield kid choosing a smaller market school over bigger names says a lot about how the staff sells the program.
Alex RuizTotally agree. Fitzgerald and his staff have a real gift for making recruits feel like people and not just numbers. Word gets around.
Been watching SUU football since forever and the recruiting has genuinely improved a lot in recent years.
old_cedar_timerNight and day compared to even ten years ago honestly. The staff they have now actually knows how to find guys who fit the program culture.
My daughter wants to go to SUU just for the landscape alone. Add a winning football team and even more reason.
Coaches taking personal interest is what separates programs. Glad Harrison and Fitzgerald are hands on like that.
Good luck to him. Moving far from home for college is tough but worth it when you find the right fit.
brenda louThat part about feeling like family really stood out to me. When a kid 500 miles from home says the staff made him feel welcome that usually means something real.
Curious what position he plays. Article doesn't really say and I want to follow his career.
TomaszWI was wondering the same thing. Sounds like maybe a skill position based on them mentioning versatility but I couldn't tell either. Hopefully a follow up article fills that in.
I live right near the SUU campus and the energy during camp season is amazing. You can just feel the excitement around town.
Megan_CCSame here, I walk past the practice fields during camp and there's just a buzz you don't get at other times of year. Really cool atmosphere.
Versatility is huge at the college level. If the coaches are calling him versatile that's a real compliment.
JeffMcAllisterExactly this. Versatile usually means the staff can actually build around you instead of just plugging you into one spot. Way better position to be in as a freshman.
Nice story. It's good to read something positive about local sports for once.
T-Bird football been on the rise. These recruits are noticing what we already knew.
Fitzgerald has been recruiting the West way better the last couple years. This is just more proof of that.
Cedar City is such a cool town. If I were 18 again I'd pick it too honestly.
These camps need more attention. Parents should know these exist if their kid has any shot at playing college ball.
First D1 offer is such a huge moment for a kid. Really happy for him.
UtahFootballNerdRight? Especially coming out of a camp and not even a full season of college exposure yet. That has to feel surreal for his whole family.
The 'family feel' thing is real with this program. My cousin played here and said the coaches actually care about the guys.
Solid pickup for SUU. Bakersfield has produced some decent players over the years.
Jarrell Harrison is a really good position coach. Not surprised he was a big reason this kid committed.
Born and raised in Cedar City and it's awesome to see more talent choosing to come here. Proud of this program.
Da'Mariae is a great name. Hoping this kid balls out for the T-Birds.
My nephew went to one of those camps a few years back. Didn't get an offer but said it was a great experience either way.
These summer camps are so underrated for recruiting. Glad they keep running them every year.
Bakersfield to Cedar City is a big move. Hope he loves it here, the community really does rally around these players.
Coach Fitzgerald has been putting in the work. Good to see it paying off with recruits like this kid.