Shon Stephens Draft Networking Interview: 'I Never Stopped Fighting' (Interviews)
Interviews

Shon Stephens Draft Networking Interview: 'I Never Stopped Fighting'

author image

Ferris State cornerback Shon Stephens is among the best D-II prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Stephens was absolutely dominant at West Liberty and for the Bulldogs, recording eight interceptions in back-to-back seasons. Stephens’ Pro Day is in late March at Michigan State and he’s expected to run in the 4.3s.

Stephens recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about learning lessons from his legendary uncle Joey Porter, how he totaled 16 interceptions over the previous two campaigns, expected testing numbers at his upcoming Pro Day, and more.

JM: You’ve put together two incredible seasons at Ferris State and West Liberty, totaling 16 interceptions, eight apiece, across the previous two campaigns. How do you look back on your time spent at West Liberty and Ferris State?

Shon Stephens: They were great. I had to set my pride to the side and get my name out there. I’m thankful for the opportunities provided to me by West Liberty and Ferris State. I had to play at a D-II level due to some politics. 

My journey to the NFL has made me a better player. I learned a lot from the journey. Trials and tribulations have made me a better person. I’m used to overcoming adversity.

JM: It’s a crazy story. Tell our readers why you were playing at the D-II level. To my understanding, the NCAA wouldn’t grant you a waiver to get back to the D-I level despite you getting interest from Penn State and Purdue. You were talented enough to play D-I.

Shon Stephens: My mom suffered a heart attack in 2020. I ended up leaving school to take care of her. I didn’t go to school or play football for two years. I was back home helping my mom.

When I came back to school, I wasn’t 80% toward my degree when I left. The NCAA denied a waiver for me to play at the D-I level as a result. I ended up graduating from West Liberty the following year. 

The NCAA decided to deny my waiver again due to my clock. I was trying to get that year back because my mom had a heart attack. I was hoping they’d be a bit more lenient over my situation. They did not understand why I stopped playing football to take care of my mom.

JM: That’s wild. How did you develop your ball skills? Recording 16 interceptions in two seasons indicates you have a special knack for taking away the football.

Shon Stephens: I’m extremely competitive. I go into every game prepared for the challenge ahead. The chip on my shoulder grew so much after I was denied the waiver for my mom’s health. I thought it was going to work out. I thought the NCAA would understand. It lit a fire under me.

I’m a football player at the end of the day. Those 16 interceptions were a result of me having fun out there. The coaching staff at West Liberty and Ferris State put me in good positions on defense.

JM: When is Pro Day? What are the official measurements right now, and what type of numbers are you expecting to put up?

Shon Stephens: I’m currently 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds. My Pro Day is on March 13th at Michigan State. I’ve been putting in work at XPE out here in Fort Lauderdale. I feel big, fast, and strong. I’m expecting to put up 20-plus reps on the bench press at 225 pounds. If it’s hand-timed, I’m expecting to run a 4.2. If it's laser time, I’ll probably run a low 4.3.

JM: Those are outstanding numbers. Is Shon Stephens a press-man or zone coverage cornerback?

Shon Stephens: Either/or honestly. I’m expecting to move around the defensive formation at the NFL level. They’ll probably play me at nickel. I can definitely press or play zone coverage. I’m experienced in both. Most of my interceptions came in zone coverage. In man coverage in the NFL, you’re more likely to get a pass breakup.

JM: Joey Porter is actually your uncle. What’s the best piece of advice he’s given you?

Shon Stephens: He’s been amazing throughout the entire journey. He’s the one who told me to come to the Penn State camp. He’s believed in me the entire time. I went to that Penn State camp and shut it down. I ran a 4.42 at the camp. I was able to walk on at Penn State in 2021 but my waiver got denied there as well.

Joey Porter has always helped me out a lot. He’s given me a lot of great advice. When I had to set my pride aside and go D-II, he told me to take care of business wherever I’m playing football. He helped me carve out a different path for myself.

JM: Do you have any upcoming Top 30 visits or virtual meetings?

Shon Stephens: I was at the College Gridiron Showcase. I had interviews with the Steelers, Chiefs, Seahawks, Colts, and Eagles. I recently spoke with the Broncos as well. I have a previous relationship with their new quality control coach Logan Kilgore. He tried to offer me when he was at Arkansas State. He’s been trying to get me for a long time. At least eight teams told me they’ll be coming to specifically watch me at Pro Day.

JM: We’ve appreciated your time. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Shon Stephens?

Shon Stephens: I know how to overcome adversity. I’ve been through so much. I’m going to help the team overcome challenges. No matter my position in life, I never stopped fighting.



Loading...
Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2025 The Draft Network