Interview: 2018 Louisiana ATH John Stephens Jr. Sets Tone Dominating on both Sides of the Ball

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

One lucky college football program is going to have a very tough decision during fall camp in 2018 – where do we line John “JJ” Stephens Jr. up and let him do his thing? Stephens had a breakthrough season in 2016 punishing opposing Louisiana offenses and defenses helping guide Logansport High School to a championship title. Now Stephens is one of the hotter recruits in the Sportsman’s Paradise collecting offers from throughout the region.

College coaches had no choice but to acknowledge Stephens after his junior campaign. The Tigers posted a perfect 14-0 record topping Haynesville 34-28 for the state trophy. Along the way Stephens showed he could do just about anything he wanted to do on the gridiron going 1-of-2 passing for a 27-yard touchdown and getting one carry for a 42-yard score while pulling in 40 passes for 675 yards with 11 trips into the end zone. On defense Stephens, did a great job of tracking down plays going the other way, setting the edge, and rushing the passer for 49 stops, 16 tackles for a loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble in 12 games played as an end/outside linebacker.

Scouts taking the time to consider Stephens have a difficult but at the same time wonderful decision to make, what to do with Stephens? The 6-4, 205 pound, talent has the speed and hands to be a dangerous D-I receiver but he also has the frame to be a very talented weak-side defensive end/outside linebacker in college. To date, 15 schools are ready to see where Stephens will fit on their roster with Arizona State, TCU, Tulane, Louisiana Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico, Grambling, Alcorn, Arkansas State, Jackson State, Northwestern State, and Mississippi State among the many to drop an offer.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Stephens going over his junior season, off-season workouts, and booming recruiting interest.

Interview

JJ, the Tigers had a couple of close games during the 2016 season, Bossier (43-39) being one of them, but you guys got a little bit more of a test against Kentwood (18-7) in the semifinal round and Haynesville (34-28) in the championship game. What were the games against Kentwood and Haynesville like for you?

“I thought it was just another game. I played as hard as I could and treated it like any other game.”

How did those final two games of the season push you to be better on the field?

“I just kept playing hard.”

How sweet was it to get revenge against Kentwood after the 2015 playoffs?

“It was good.”

I’ve watched your reel, do you lick your chops when you see single coverage inside the red zone?

“Yes, sir.”

Are you surprised defenses do not bring a safety over the top?

“Sometimes they did but, yes, I am surprised.”

With Debell Crawford graduated, along with his 1,700 yards rushing and 30 touchdowns, will you be given more opportunities to carry the ball as a running back next season?

“No, sir. I will have some carries in the Wildcat. We have a fast running back who will start next season.”

Are you staying at defensive end during your senior season or will you play multiple positions?

“I’m playing end and outside linebacker next season.”

What areas of your game are you working on this off-season?

“My route running and my hands.”

Did any college scouts come by Logansport this spring to watch you during practice?

“Yes, sir. LSU, Louisiana Tech, ULM (Louisiana-Monroe), and SMU. There were others but I can’t remember them all.”

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

“They like that I can play on either side of the ball. On offense, they like my ability to go up to get the ball. On defense, they like how I play and get after it.”

Have you maxed out in the weight room this spring?

“Yes, sir. My bench is 290, squat 450, and my deadlift is 325.”

What is the best 40-yard dash you’ve posted?

“A 4.69 at a camp last year.”

Have you attended any national exposure camps this off-season?

“I went to an Under Armour All-American Camp.”

How did that go?

“It went well. I had a couple of drops but my route running was good.”

You attended an Ole Miss camp over the weekend, how did that go for you?

“It went great. I did well with the one-on-ones at that camp and I deflected two passes at the line. I got two offers on the spot at that camp from Jackson State and Arizona State. Memphis called and said they were going to offer me too.”

What all did you do while you were in Oxford?

“We got there a day early. They took us on a tour of the campus and facilities.”

What did you think of Ole Miss?

“It is a really nice place. I liked it.”

Have you taken any other unofficial visits this spring?

“I went to TCU, LSU, and Northwestern State’s spring game.”

Are you planning on attending any other college camps this summer?

“Yes, sir. I’m going to TCU’s camp on the 9th, Mississippi State’s on the 17th, and LSU’s on either the 23rd or 24th, one of those two days.”

Are there any other camps you are looking at this summer as a possibility?

“I am looking at a satellite camp with Baylor and Arkansas. I think Memphis and Air Force will be there too.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you but have not offered?

“LSU and Ole Miss, Arkansas was but they have not been in touch lately.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“Fifteen.”

Since you have so many offers, do you feel the need to commit early or are you going to let the process play out?

“I’m not sure. I’m thinking about doing it before school starts.”

Now that spring ball is over, how do the Tigers look going into the 2017 season? Are you guys loaded to defend your title?

“Yes, sir. On defense, we look the same. We played two full fourth quarters last year. On offense, we look good. We will score at will.”

What are your personal goals for your senior season?

“To win another state title and have 20 receiving touchdowns.”

JJ, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.

“Yes, sir. Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Stephens family; John Stephens at LSU

Photo credit: Stephens family; John Stephens at LSU with head coach Ed Orgeron.

Photo credit:  Stephens family; John Stephens at TCU