A short, heavier running back is often referred to as a "bowling ball." But add speed and elusiveness to the power? Sounds like a "strike" to me.

The Montana football team has added depth and power in the backfield, signing Washington State running back Alijah Lee to a National Letter of Intent to play for the Griz in the fall season.

Lee, who stands at 5-foot-6 but checks in at just under 200 pounds, comes to Montana after three seasons in Pullman, appearing in 12 games for the 8-5 Cougars in his redshirt-sophomore year. He will join the Griz with two years of eligibility remaining.

“We needed an older guy that has some experience in big games,” said Montana head coach Bob Stitt. “He’s an elusive, powerful back who can get the ball and make someone miss, but also get the tough yards when you need it.” A product of Venice High School in Los Angeles, Calif., Alijah is pals with former Griz basketball great Kareem Jamar.

“The coaches at WSU can’t say enough good things about him,” Stitt added. “He got caught up in the numbers game and would probably be sitting lower on the depth chart, and he wanted to get more reps. He would have been a big special teams player for them, but he wants the opportunity to be the guy.”

Our thanks to good friend Eric Taber, sports information department at UM for the heads up.  Montana opens the 2017 season at home on September 2 against Valparaiso in Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

DB

 

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