Washington State defensive end Ron Stone Jr. enjoyed a quality 2023 season in the ever-competitive Pac-12 conference. Stone Jr. recorded a career-high 5.0 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and totaled 60 tackles. A knack for being around the football also helped Stone Jr. force three fumbles.
Stone Jr. recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about learning lessons from his father Ron Stone, who played 13 seasons in the NFL and won two Super Bowls, his pass-rush arsenal, and more.
JM: You had your best season in 2023. You totaled 60 tackles, 11 for a loss, and 5.0 sacks. What led to the uptick in production?
Ron Stone Jr.: I think it was all about entering the season with a clear mind and a clean slate. I knew it was going to be my last season of college football. I wanted to maximize the team I had left at Washington State.
I didn’t feel any pressure or stress. I just wanted to make the most of my remaining opportunity. I was playing through a minor injury in 2022. This season, I came back fully healthy. I was excited to ball out with my teammates.
JM: The 5.0 sacks stand out to me. That was the second time you had five-plus sacks in a single season. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal?
Ron Stone Jr.: I like to switch it up a little bit. I believe that pass-rushing is a game of cat and mouse if you will. Sometimes, it’s more of a mental battle than a physical battle. I like to switch it up.
I love the long-arm. That’s been my bread and butter. I like to set a lot of moves up with that long arm. I use the stab club as well. I’m also willing to take whatever offensive linemen are giving me. It depends on their pass set. Is he a short setter? Does he have short arms? Is he a low puncher? All of that plays a factor.
I identify a lot of those things throughout my film study. That’s what makes it easier for me to have success when rushing the passer. Speed rushes, hitting them with power, I’ll hit an offensive tackle with whatever I saw him struggle with on tape.
JM: I love that. Talk to me about earning the right to rush the passer. I think you know what I mean by that. You play hard on early downs. You want to stop the run on first and second down. You can’t rush the passer without getting them to third down.
Ron Stone Jr.: Absolutely. Everybody that knows football knows you have to stop the run in order to have some fun in the pass game (laughs). I take a lot of pride in helping our defense stop the run. You have to be physical at the point of attack. You have to shed those blocks. I love two-gapping and things of that nature.
I enjoy defending the run probably just as much as I do rushing the passer. It’s a vital part of the game. I just enjoy playing football in general. You have to stop the run if you want to rush the quarterback. You have to make sure you’re giving full effort.
JM: You also forced three fumbles this season and have five total forced fumbles for your career. You’ve recovered three of them. Talk to me about your knack for being around the ball and creating turnovers.
Ron Stone Jr.: I think it’s really about understanding the situation, knowing the down and distance, and when you’re able to attack the football. A few of those were strip sacks. That’s about knowing when you’re on the blindside of the quarterback and he doesn’t see you coming.
It’s about knowing when you have a great opportunity to help your team get the ball back. I love getting the ball out. Sometimes it’s the running back that doesn’t see me coming. Let me punch this ball.
If it’s a regular tackle and I have an opportunity to put my hands on the ball, that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
JM: Your father Ron Stone played 13 seasons in the NFL, won two Super Bowls, and was voted to three Pro Bowls. What’s the best piece of advice he’s given you on this journey?
Ron Stone Jr.: He always tells me it’s a long journey. There are a lot of highs and lows to it. When we talk about football, we acknowledge it’s a tough journey to be on. The mental aspect takes a bigger toll sometimes than the physical.
You’ll never make it if you’re not mentally prepared for this journey. We talk about that all the time. You have to be in the right headspace to attack this journey.
JM: That sounds like great advice. Your Pro Day is in late March. You must be looking forward to it.
Ron Stone Jr.: We’re training for Pro Day. I’ve been thrilled with the offseason work I’ve been getting in at EXOS in Arizona. I feel healthy and great. I’m improving the numbers week by week. I’m looking forward to competing. It’s something I love to do. I’m going to put my best foot forward.
JM: We’ve appreciated your time. What kind of player and person is a team getting when they draft Ron Stone Jr.?
Ron Stone Jr.: You’re getting an all-around player. I say that with confidence. I have a high football IQ. I understand people in general. I was a captain at Washington State for multiple years. I was on our leadership counsel as well. I had the trust of my teammates and coaching staff. I have the ability to help our team win football games at the next level.
I’m an impact player. I’m ready to help a team win games next season.
