Juco punter looking for a chance

Garden City (Kan.) Community College punter Grant Stephenson had received quite a bit of attention earlier in the season. But, that attention has dwindled recently.

“Recruiting was going ok,” the 6-foot, 210-pound Stephenson said. “There were a few schools on me earlier. I did not have any scholarship offers. But, four schools were staying in pretty good contact.”

Those four include Alabama, Kansas, Kansas State and Texas.

“K-State was the one calling the most,” the Little River, Kan. native said. “But, the others were too. It has been a little while since I heard from any of them.”

Stephenson’s season ended better than it started.

“I had two punts blocked in the first game,” he said. “Then I had a talk with our special teams coach. He told me it was his fault since we hadn’t practiced punt team that much. It was a little shaky after that since I was just worrying about getting the ball off. I got my confidence back and got rolling again.

Stephenson finished off the season by being named second team All-Jayhawk Conference punter.

“I averaged 37 yards per punt on the year,” he said. “I was really disappointed with my stats. But, I do know I can do better.”

Stephenson is only look for an opportunity.

“Walking on is a consideration for me,” he said. “I’d like to go Division I. That would be awesome. I just want a chance to play. Just getting on the field is the thing I’m looking for.”