FOLLOWING THE GRADUATION OF QUARTERBACK LEVAY DUNCAN, WHO NOW TAKES HIS TALENTS TO SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE, THERE WERE SOME INITIAL CONCERNS FOR LEE’S FOOTBALL PROGRAM OVER THE OFF-SEASON AS TO WHO COULD STEP UP TO COMMAND THE OFFENSE.
Fortunately for the Ganders, one of their more versatile weapons Josiah Joseph threw his hat into the ring.
Joseph secured first-team, all-district honors a year ago for his efforts at both the wide receiver and safety spots and is now prepared to take on an even more critical role as the team’s full-time signal-caller.
“I’m really just trying to follow his (Duncan’s) steps,” said Joseph. “Playing receiver the last three years and watching him do what he did from that perspective, it’s helped me to get a better understanding of my new role. So really, I’m just trying to help my team in whatever form that takes.”
Despite the different qualities needed to succeed in the new position, his coaches describe him as being “tough to tackle in a phone booth”, which should bode well for the senior’s dual-threat potential.
When prompted to discuss if he likes to model his game after any particular professional, Joseph delivered a straightforward response.
“To be honest, not really,” he said. “I think of myself as my own person. I’ve just wanted to be me growing up. I want my name to be big and I’m willing to put in the work to make that happen.”
As a team, Lee finished last Fall with a record of 4-6 and just narrowly missed out on the postseason.
However, as they move to a new district (9-5A-II), Joseph and company have their sights set on changing that notion.
"The goal has always been the same,” Joseph said. “I intend to help my team out to the best of my ability, regardless if that means we’re in the playoffs or not. I won’t think too far ahead like that, so all I need to focus on is what I can do in the moment.”
Time will tell how the Ganders match up against some different competition, but given Joseph’s past experience filling in for Duncan, the offense should be in more than capable hands.