Stephens playing like a MVP
Linebacker Josh Stephens (6-1, 220, 4.6) from Bakersfield (Calif.) West is playing like a League Defensive of Player of the Year like he was a year ago as a junior. Under the leadership of Stephens, West is off to a fine 3-0 start.
So far season this season Stephens has racked up 35 tackles, four tackles for loss and he proving he hasn’t lost any of his hitting prowess, he has caused two fumbles.
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Since September 1st, Stephens has received calls from Oregon State, Washington State, Arizona State, Arizona, San Diego State, Penn, Harvard, UC-Davis and Cal State-Sacramento. He has offers from Oregon State and Cal State-Sacramento.
“I’m going to definitely visit Oregon State,” Stephens said. “I haven’t set the date yet.”
Stephens is also interested in visiting Washington State, Arizona and Arizona State.
As a junior, Stephens was selected Defensive Player of the Year for his league, all-state, all-area, and all-county after accounting for 132 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, five fumbles caused, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
Stephens has been a starter since he walked on campus as a freshman four years ago. What makes that statement even more impressive is Stephens goes to a school with an enrolment of over 2,000 students. For a freshman to start at West high school is a rare.
In an earlier interview with West head coach Rich Cornford, he said this about his outstanding linebacker prospect, “Josh is so smart and so aggressive. That is why he is always around the ball.”
“Josh causes fumbles by stripping the ball loose or by straight up hitting an opponent hard,” Cornford said. “He’s a playmaker.”
For a look at Stephens in action click on the link.