Interview: 2021 Virginia DE Trevion Stevenson had Breakout Season for Phoebus

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The 2021 season was a blur on the Phoebus High School gridiron with No. 36 Trevion “Trey” Stevenson running around. The Class of 2021 talent emerged as a two-way player truly standing out on defense. The lockdown defense from Stevenson off the edge helped his Hampton area squad to a 13-2 record that included a run to the 3A state title game colliding against Heritage. The big play on the field has now placed Stevenson on recruiting boards across the country.

Opposing Virginia offenses schemed to stop Stevenson, but, as the stat line proves, it was not effective. The 6-5, 210-pound, play-maker put an end to 61 plays coming up with 15 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, two fumble recoveries, and four forced fumbles. The use of his headiness and 4.56 speed in the 40-yard dash, helped him earn first team All-District and honorable mention honors as a sophomore. The attention grew along the recruiting trail with teams spanning the ACC, SEC, Ivy League, and Big Ten, among others, now tracking his progress.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of Virginia’s rising stars out of the 2021 class covering his sophomore season and rapidly growing recruiting interests.

Interview

Trey, the Phantoms went 13-2 with a fantastic run to the championship game. What was the championship run like for you?

“Starting as a sophomore, it was crazy. Being out on the field, it was big to me. It was a big deal. I had a lot of responsibilities as a sophomore.”

Was there a certain point in the season when you guys started believing–knowing that a run to the title game was truly possible?

“Yes, sir. Right after we beat Norcom (Portsmouth) in the regional championship. We won 7-6 in overtime. That is when we knew what it takes to get to the championship game.”

Where all did you line up on the field during the 2018 season?

“I played receiver, tight end and defensive end.”

You were a wrecking ball in the opposition’s backfield during your junior season coming off the edge. What do you feel are some of your strengths as an end?

“My strengths are my speed and power. I am a mismatch for offensive tackles. My coach calls me “Prime Time” when I am on defense.”

What about at tight end, what are your strengths at that position?

“I have good speed going against linebackers. I am a mismatch for defenders because of my speed and height. The same is true at receiver. My jumping ability is a big strength. I have a very good football IQ as well.”

How did your game improve on defense during the 2018 season?

“I practiced hard every single day, and after practice as well. My defensive end coach worked with me after practice. Sometimes we would go another hour or longer working. I also worked on my own trying to get my spin moves down and doing extra training.”

And on offense, how did your game improve on that side of the ball?

“My route running improved a lot. I worked with my trainer doing cone drills, that helped. My blocking improved. My tight end coach put me through a lot of blocking drills – in the chute and with the blocking machine. We would work another 30 minutes after practice on my blocking and routes.”

What are you focusing on this offseason with your workouts?

“I want to improve on everything. I want to improve my football IQ and runner better routes.”

Are you playing 7v7 with a travel team this spring?

“Yes, sir. I am playing with Mach 1.”

How are you hoping that will help push your game forward?

“It will help me with my routes, agility, speed, and going up for 50-50 balls.”

Are you going to any national camps and/or combines this offseason?

“Yes, sir. I am going to an Under Armour and Rivals camp.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing recruiting interest?

“I am receiving interest from Florida State, Georgia, UVA (Virginia), East Carolina, Duke, Buffalo, Howard, Richmond, Rutgers, Toledo, Wake Forest, Old Dominion, and Columbia.”

Have you had a chance to unofficially visit any schools yet?

“Yes, sir. I have visited Morgan State.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“Yes. I plan on visiting Georgia, Rutgers, Old Dominion, Howard, and FSU.”

Are you competing in any other sports for Phoebus?

“Yes, sir. I am competing in track.”

Which events?

“The long, triple, and high jumps, the 55-meter dash, and the 1600.”

Wow. That’s a lot of work. What is your best distance in the long jump?

“My best is 23 feet.”

Going into the classroom. What is your favorite subject in school?

“History and Language Arts.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I have a 3.4 GPA. I make the Honor Roll every year.”

That’s awesome. Trey, it has been great learning more about you and your game today. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you, sir.”

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Photo credit: Stevenson family; Trevion Stevenson at Morgan State

Photo credit: VJB; No. 36 Trevion Stevenson (2018)