ALBANY, Ga. – Former Minot State University Johnny Lester didn't take long to make his mark in professional football.

At least, once he finally got to a game situation.

The former standout wide receiver and kick return specialist caught a 4-yard TD from his cousin Cecil Lester in the second quarter of the Albany Panthers 51-38 loss to the Alabama Hammers in Lester's Southern Indoor Football League debut.

It came after a couple of weeks of inactive duty due to a nagging injury after the team signed him.

“After college I never gave up on playing again,” Lester said. “I have so many amazing family members and friends who believe in me and they keep me pushing towards it. I trained year round and went to tryouts whenever I got the chance. I talked with my older cousin Cecil and he told me that his team was having an open tryout. November of last year I flew to Georgia to attend a tryout with the Panthers. I felt good about my workout and afterwards the head coach told me that they were going to bring me into camp for the upcoming season.”

Lester caught a team-high 10 passes for 69 yards and the one score. While he prided himself on speed and quickness during his collegiate career that saw him return multiple kicks and punts for TDs, the quickness of the indoor game was something he needed to get used to.

“My first practice was pretty bad I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It's such a fast paced game, I had to change the way I run some of my routes, receivers get to use a high motion such as the CFL, and there is a wall that has no mercy if you run or get pushed into it,” he said. “After a few days of watching and listening to the older guys at my position I was able to adjust and things became easier and more fun. But it's a very exciting, high scoring fun to watch game.”

He also had to change his training habits. While in college, he had workouts, weights, special teams meetings and practice to work into an all-ready busy class schedule. But with the Panthers, there is usually a three-hour practice and the rest is up to him.

“It wouldn't say it's tougher, but I've gotten smarter about the way I train,” he said. “I know I can't work out two and three times a day like I did when I was in college. But, I still work hard and challenge myself. I still feel like I'm 18 and can pull a few tricks from under my sleeve!”

Lester will have to endure another break in the action; however, as the 3-2 Panthers have two bye weeks before taking on Richmond May 4. The team is back at home after nearly two months away from the Albany Civic Center May 11.

For Lester, getting the chance to play at all again has deep meaning for him and his family. Along with playing with Cecil Lester – who currently wears the No. 7 Beaver fans were accustomed to seeing in Minot State red and white – he has dedicated his season to his uncle.

“I lost my Uncle Bob on the last day of 2012 and he would always tell me that he was going to come watch me play this year,” Lester said. “I'm dedicating this season to him so whenever I get the ball in my hands, I plan on making him proud.”