Interview: All-State Arkansas 2018 WR Steven Stone Ready for Recruiting Spotlight

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

When the 2017 season kicks off, scouting of high school football players across the country by college coaches will kick into another gear. If a program has not already seen a prospect in person via a camp or during a spring practice visit, another blanketing of key recruiting regions is taken trying to find the best fit for a given roster ahead of National Signing Day. As word on Steven Stone’s abilities start to leave the area in and around the state of Arkansas, expect West Memphis to be a draw for games on Friday nights by college football coaches.

Teams that have played against the Blue Devils are well-aware of Stone’s talents. He is a two-time 6A East All-Conference selection and made the jump to All-State during his junior season. The big play impact Stone brings to the field for West Memphis is what earned him All-Conference honors as a sophomore. The 6-0, 177 pound, athlete averaged 18 yards per catch in 2015 and pushed his game forward the following year averaging 21 yards per reception. Over 12 games, Stone secured 34 passes for 702 yards with nine scores earning a spot as one of the top receivers in the Natural State’s 2018 class by the end of the 2016 schedule.

Stone is an interesting mix on the field capable of playing on the outside and in the slot. He is quick in space creating separation from defenders with good open-field speed if a crease is found. All the other elements wanted in a Division-I receiver is there, he catches the ball with his hands and adjusts to the pass to make the play. In addition to all the key offensive benchmarks, he is also a weapon for his team on running plays. Receivers blocking downfield for their running back is not always easy to find, even at the highest level. Stone asserts himself into every facet of the game increasing his value on the field 10-fold.

Few scouts outside the immediate area have made their way to the other side of the Mississippi from its counterpart namesake of 26,000 people. The list of interested schools includes Arkansas, Iowa State, Central Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, Tennessee-Martin, Louisiana Tech, and Memphis. Another year tearing apart Arkansas 6A competition will force next level programs in need of a receiver that can go across the middle, stretch defenses vertically, and block in the run game to look his way.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Stone covering his junior campaign, recruiting process to date, and got a sneak-peak at what we can expect of the Blue Devils in 2017.

Interview

Steven, you tore it up last season playing on the outside and on the inside at receiver for the Blue Devils, will we see you take on a different role during your senior year?

“There have been conversations about me playing as an option quarterback on different plays. I’m not sure yet if that will happen. I will be on punt and kick return this year. I’m not sure where all I will play this year. On defense, I’m trying to work in some at safety. I want to play the entire game. My coaches want me to play some prevent defense on passing downs. I’d like to play the entire game if they let me.”

What type of coverages did you see last season in an attempt to slow down your production?

“We faced a lot of Cover 3 and off-coverage. Most of the teams we play, they do not like to be beat over the top. We did not face many press defenses or Cover 2. It is harder to get the big-big plays in against Cover 3 defenses.”

Was there a corner that challenged you on the field last season helping push your game forward?

“The corners at Pine Bluff and Jonesboro were about the same. We went at it all game.”

What was the biggest challenge for you on the field during your junior year?

“I was slower than I wanted to be last year. I had to cancel that out. I’m faster now.”

How did your game improve from the 2015 season to last year?

“I give it up to my coaches, they do a great job trying to get us to the next level. They put in extra work with us to get us to be the player we want to be. My route running has gotten better. Last year there were some routes I was not great at running. This year I am comfortable with all routes against any coverage.”

What have you been working on this off-season for your senior year?

“This off-season I ran track. That helped me get faster and improve my overall speed. I’ve been running routes, doing one-on-ones, and running routes on air with different quarterbacks in the area to get extra work in for the season.”

Have you attended any exposure or college camps this off-season?

“I went to a Nike Regional. I was invited to the Adidas Three Stripe camp and invited to the U.S. Army All-American Game tryouts but could not make it. I went to two other camps, the Memphis Mega Camp and an All-Arkansas camp. I might attend a UCA (Central Arkansas), SEMO (Southeast Missouri), Tulsa, and a Missouri camp coming up.”

Which camp was your best?

“My best was the Memphis Mega Camp.”

What did you do well at the Memphis Mega Camp?

“At that camp, I posted the fastest 40 that I have ran. I talked to a lot of coaches that day. I think I had a great day.”

What time did you post in the 40-yard dash?

“4.6.”

Which schools are showing interest in you?

“Memphis, Arkansas, UCA, SEMO, UT-Martin, Iowa State, and Louisiana Tech.”

When college coaches talk to you about your game, what are they telling you they like?

“They tell me I have good ball skills and that I am more quick than fast. They like the way I attack the ball as a smaller receiver.”

You mentioned running track earlier, which events?

“The 4×1, 4×4, and high jump.”

What was your best high jump?

“5-11 or 6-feet, somewhere in there.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“3.2.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I got a 21 on the ACT.”

Looking ahead, what goals have you set for yourself during the 2017 season?

“I want to show coaches that are skeptical the type of player that I am, that I am a D-I player. I want to score double-digit touchdowns, somewhere between 15 to 20, have a 1,000-yard season, and win a state championship with my team.”

What motivates you to perform your best in practice and during a game?

“I have always wanted to be that person that everyone looks to, known for being great at the game. I want people to recognize that I am a great competitor.”

How do the Blue Devils look going into the season?

“We look like we can pull off an undefeated season and win state. We have some things to work on, but we are looking really good on offense and defense this year.”

Is there a game you have circled on the schedule that you are ready to play?

“There are a few games. If I had to pick one, the Pine Bluff game. We should have beaten them last year but lost by one (30-29).”

Steven, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: NWA Democrat-Gazette; No. 5 Steven Stone skies for a pass (2016).

Photo credit: Hudl.com; No. 5 Steven Stone between plays (2016).

Photo credit: Hudl.com; No. 5 Steven Stone scores a touchdown (2016).