Recruiting: Florida lineman Caiden Lee joins Army 2026 class

Caiden Lee was drawn to Army football and West Point almost instantly during his Black and Gold game visit.

Army’s culture, pride in the program and team brotherhood lined up with Lee’s vision of football at the next level.

Army always came up in conversation when Lee discussed his options with family weeks after the visit. Lee was ready to close his recruitment and commit to the Black Knights. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Parrish (Fla.) Community High interior offensive lineman called Army cornerbacks coach Daryl Dixon with his decision Saturday.

”The feeling of being secure in a home-like environment on campus was one of the biggest factors in my decision,” Lee said. “The campus, facilities, and tradition that characterize West Point were the biggest things that impressed me.

“The emotions that came from my family as well as the excitement that coach Dixon showed immediately after I told him the news made the moment incredibly special.”

Army landed on Lee’s recruiting radar until Dixon reached out and later offered February. Though both of his grandfathers served in the Army, Lee wasn’t considering service-academy football or the military.

”I’ve come around to the idea of serving in the Army and I’m fully committed to that,” Lee said.

Lee could have stayed in state for his college career. Florida Atlantic, a member of the American Athletic Conference with Army, offered Lee more than a week after the Black and Gold game.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the (Army) family,” Lee said.