UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH FOOTBALL MEDIA CONFERENCE

November 13, 2026

Shawn Lee Jr.

Press Conference

Florida State 16, Pitt 10

THE MODERATOR: Questions for Shawn Lee Jr.

Q. On your fumble recovery, they let that play drag on. Did you say something earlier in the game when you saw they were letting those plays continue on a bit for you?

SHAWN LEE JR.: Nothing that we caught at the beginning of the game. Really just attacking the ball, trying to get the ball out and make plays.

Q. Can you break down the near interception you had. Looked like the ball went through the receiver's hands. What happened there?

SHAWN LEE JR.: Yeah, I was making a break on the ball. He did tip it a little bit. Something I got to catch. I know I got to catch the ball. I credit myself not for catching it, but I just got to make a play on the ball really.

Q. You had some short fields to defend at the end of the game. You could have buckled and gave up a touchdown, but only allowed a field goal. What were you telling yourselves going out there time and time again?

SHAWN LEE JR.: I mean, that really just tells the strength of our defense, being confident what we can could no matter where we're at on the field. Ultimately trying to hold them to a field goal. If not, not a touchdown. Maybe not even a field goal.

Just holding strong, not breaking down in that tight zone.

Q. Two regular-season games left. What are you hoping to show?

SHAWN LEE JR.: Really just going out there and the same thing, attacking practices, attacking the games, trying to come out victorious. I feel like no matter what, that's always the main focus, getting better every day.

Q. Do you feel like you have that kind of spirit in the locker room? You're in a tough spot right now, tough game. Do you feel like you have that in the locker room?

SHAWN LEE JR.: I feel like we do have that. We got a good culture around the program. Brotherly like (indiscernible). Continue to push forward and grow.

Adversity builds teams. It can break you, but adversity builds teams as well. I hope we can build from things that we learn and losses.

Q. What do you think you've been able to adjust to defensively? You've been able to give your offense several chances to win the game in the end.

SHAWN LEE JR.: Really just going out there and putting our brand of defense. We hold our defense to a high standard. Just going out there and being able to hold our end of the bargain and do what we got to do to get the ball back to the offense, get off the field. Not letting any touchdowns, as well.

Q. With Cruce, what is it like playing next to him in the secondary?

SHAWN LEE JR.: He's a ball hawk. Just motivation for me and the other DBs. He pushes the standard. Pushes us to be better at the end of the day. Fun to play with him.

Q. Do you feel like you're the two leading voices of the secondary this year?

SHAWN LEE JR.: I would say yes just because of the experience we had playing last year. Just being able to help people to get in position to make plays, seeing what we see out there. Kind of being the voice in that DB room, like you said.

Q. How do you feel like you have grown as a leader this year?

SHAWN LEE JR.: Yes, I'm still trying to embracing growing into that role more, trying to be more vocal. Really leading by example more than anything. Just making sure I go in there and make sure I do what I have to do to be the best me.

Thank, y'all.