Caden Lee wins 2024 Charles Bland Award for excellence on and off the field

The 2024 Charles Bland Award winner is Caden Lee.

Since 1994, the Charles Bland Award has been awarded to the most rounded senior Bearcat football player who excels on and off the field. The award is designated for an individual who contributes significantly to their school, community and classmates.

“Caden Lee is the type of player coaches love,” varsity Bearcat football coach Chad Jamerson said. “His dedication to his teammates, coaches and community provides a shining example to any athlete, young or old, within our community.”

Jamerson added, “From day 1: Caden bought into our ‘punch the clock’ philosophy and worked to lead others to buy into our philosophy for success. For his teammates, he helped to lay the foundation for what we hope will be sustained success within the Bearcat football program.”

This is a big honor, Lee said.

“I’ve looked up to the guys that have won this award before me,” he said. “I am very thankful.”

Along with physical and leadership qualities, Lee possesses strong intelligence both in and out of the classroom, Jamerson said.

“He has a passion for education and works hard to achieve success within that realm of his life as well,” the coach shared. “His kindness, compassion and work ethic have helped him to win over classmates within the school and his teammates within the locker room. I am excited to see the impact Caden Lee will make on his community in the future.”

Lee plans to attend the University of Mississippi (Oxford) and obtain a degree in statistics after graduating from Dexter High School in the spring of 2025.

The following list contains past winners of the Charles Bland Award:

2024, Caden Lee

2023, Rhyder Williams

2022, Logan Josupait

2021, Camden Riley

2020, Ryan Collier

2019, Austin Guy

2018, Nate Gargas

2017, Ben Sindle

2016, Jason Jarrell

2015, Tyler Stevenson

2014, Noah Kronk

2013, Holden Bruce

2012, Ryan Joyner

2011, Tyler Miller

2010, Taylor Jarrell

2009, Gary Summer

2008, Nick Hessling

2007, Eric Windham

2006, Drew Pixley

2005, Andrew Steuver

2004, Derek Clark

2003, Marc Thrower

2002, Drew Wethington

2001, Nathan McKay

2000, Jason Mayer

1999, David Howard

1998, Justin Kelley

1997, Mike Guethle

1996, Kent Essner

1995, Jason Comfort

1994, Kevin Young