Interview: 2019 Florida ATH/LB Stephone Atkinson Expanding Talents against 7A Competition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If a high school player can get it done on the field against Florida 7A competition, easy bet they can get it done at the next level wherever they decide to go. As the overall talents and athleticism of Class of 2019 athlete/outside linebacker Stephone Atkinson expand, he is writing his own ticket to the college ranks.
Atkins is one of those rare talents that can play any number of positions, as seen during his sophomore season. Used as a big back, the 6-3, 210 pound, talent rushed for over 800 yards with six scores. Last season he also played some linebacker and strong safety. During his junior season, he is terrorizing tackles, running backs, and quarterbacks as he learns the nuances of playing defensive end for Lake Minneola High School. The Hawks have had a tough season posting a 2-6 record but have a chance to end the season on a high note with games left against Ocoee and Leesburg.
In a Recruiting News Guru in-season interview, I sat down with Atkinson for a quick one-on-one covering his growing talents and expanding recruiting interest.
Interview
Stephone, where all are you playing on the field this year?
“I’m playing defensive end primarily. Against Haggerty, the coaches had me at outside linebacker.”
So, no running back or strong safety this year?
“Not this year.”
How has the 2017 season gone for you so far playing a new position?
“For me overall, I’m working hard every day in practice trying to get better. I’m trying to develop. I’m doing my job trying to get a win for the team.”
Which areas of your game are showing the most improvement?
“I’m getting better at being more aggressive. I’m reading the tackles better, run verses their pass block. Now I know what is coming. I’ve been watching a lot of film studying the O-line I am going against. I’m also watching the quarterback seeing his keys and movements in the pocket.”
What is at least one area you are really pushing to get better week after week?
“I’m learning new moves to shed blocks. I’ve been using my speed to get to the quarterback.”
Which game has been your best this season?
“That is a tough one. I’d say the West Port game. I had a bunch of sacks. That was a great game for me and the team.”
That was actually my next question. The Hawks picked up a 29-6 win over West Port on Friday, how did that game go for you?
“It was great honestly. I did what the coaches told me to do and it worked. I had four or five sacks and three other tackles.”
Is there an opposing player, an offensive lineman, that has challenged you making you a better player in the long run?
“I’d say Haggerty’s linemen. Their O-line was very disciplined. Playing against them, it was making me better going hard every play because they were bringing it every play.”
How will Ocoee challenge you guys on offense and on defense on Friday?
“They are balanced on offense. It will be a good game. We have the same defense they faced last week (Lake Howell – Ocoee lost 20-14). Hopefully we will come up with the win. We’ll give it our all.”
What does the team need to do to finish the season on a three-game win streak?
“We need to be disciplined. Our coaches are doing a great job. If we go hard in practice, give it our all, finish the job, and never quit we can win the next two games.”
Last time we spoke you were getting interest from Pitt, Florida, FIU, FAU, Boston College, Monmouth, and Florida State. Are any new schools showing interest?
“Arkansas, Appalachian State, Cincinnati, and Troy are the new programs showing interest.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits this fall?
“I took one to Valdosta State for the North Alabama game (Sept. 16).”
How did the trip go?
“It was a great experience. I liked the team, I got along with all the guys. I connected with the guys on social media. The game went well. It was a close game (lost 30-24).”
Do you have any other planned visits?
“I was going to visit Troy during the season, but I am planning to visit them after the season now. Their head coach, Coach (Neal) Brown, said I can come visit anytime.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“I have a 2.89 right now.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. I’m taking one in December and the other in February.”
With three games left in the 2017 regular season, is there anything left you want to accomplish?
“I want three sacks in each game. I want to finish off the season strong. I want us to win our final two games.”
Stephone, thanks for your time today and good luck with the next two games.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Michelle Brown Photography; No. 28 Stephone Atkinson