First-year head coach Billy Testerman will rely on senior running back
MARION, Va. – Show and tell time has finally arrived for Marion football player Daniel Lee.
Following a three-year process of dues-paying, the 5-foot-10 and 180-pound senior will be the featured running back for the Scarlet Hurricanes this season.
“I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity for a while,” Lee said.
Lee and receiver Tyler Pierce are the only seniors on the Marion roster.
According to first-year Marion head coach Billy Testerman, his two veterans realize the big picture.
Testerman
Allen Gregory, Bristol Herald Courier
“Tyler and Daniel have taken on leadership roles without me even having to ask. That’s been encouraging,” Testerman said.
Lee saw limited carries in 2024 as senior twins Jalen and Jordan Miller were the centerpieces of the run-oriented Flexbone offense employed by former head coach Jack Ginn.
Jalen (5-9, 182) signed to play football at Bluefield University following his breakout senior season.
“Jalen and Jordan are good friends of mine, and they were great players,” Lee said. “I always watched them with the ball and tried to pick up tips.”
What is the primary lesson that Lee gathered from the relentless Miller brothers?
“To keep my head up and ran as hard as I can,” Lee said. “I’m ready to carry the ball this season as much as my coach and team needs.”
Testerman thinks Lee has the essentials to frustrate defenders.
“Daniel has a mix of power and speed,” Testerman said. “He qualified for the Class 2 state track meet last year in the hurdles, so that shows what kind of athlete he is.”
Haunted by injuries, Marion failed to win a game last year.
But Testerman was intrigued by something he saw during a review of the film against eventual Class 2 state champion Graham.
“Daniel broke a long touchdown run in the first half against the strong Graham defense and it kept the game close,” Testerman said.
That score by Lee helped Marion force a 14-14 tie with Graham at the 3:24 mark of the second quarter. Graham went on to post a 58-14 win, but Lee delivered a statement.
“Daniel didn’t get the ball much last season, but we’re excited to see what he can do as a senior,” Testerman said.
Lee worked at quarterback until the seventh grade. He’s been refining his ball-carrying skills ever since.
“I prefer the running back position because I get to run the ball,” Lee said. “I gained more strength in the off-season by spending time in the weight room. That’s really helped.”
As for his new head coach, Lee has positive reviews.
“Coach Testerman makes things fun,” Lee said. “Our offense was complicated last season, but we’re more balanced now and we will throw it some.”
In addition to his featured role in the offensive backfield, Lee returns to his starting spot at outside linebacker.
“We’ve all spent a lot of time on conditioning and preparing for the season,” Lee said. “We have some leaders in our junior class like Brayden Bowman and Ethan Hylton.
“Tyler and I are going to do everything we can to be senior leaders.”
Lee is eager to show what he can do on offense and defense.
“I don’t feel any pressure. I’ve waited for this season and I’m ready to go.”