In 2015, Brandon Jones was a 6ft 190 lb S/DB and played for Nacogdoches HighSchool and committed to the University of Texas and is now awaiting to hear his name called in the NFL draft coming up in a few weeks. What’s with all the Jones info? All the Jones info can show if you get caught up in team performance and not player tape a talent like Jones could be missed. That team’s down season Nacogdoches (4-6) could’ve turn some people from his talent. Truthfully, wins don’t always equal to better players. Which brings me to a Gem of a prospect in San Antonio, Class of 2021 high school football player Courtland Stephens of MacArthur High School, who’s squad last year had 1 win and 9 losses. With his school not being in the upper echelon of names in San Antonio this could easily be the case for Stephens. “My qoute for life is; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Courtland stated. This also 6’0 190 pound young man is one to get to know.
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“I’ve played Corner/ Safety/ outside linebacker back and middle linebacker. Oh and Hybrid Safety.” Says Courtland “ My senior year looks like ill be playing more Free/Strong safety than a Hybrid.” He finished. While as a hybrid player last year Courtland posted 77 tackles w/35 solo tackles, 8 TFL, 5 QB hurries, 1 sack, 2 Forced Fumbles.
Colleges have taken notice of his talent. Still with no official first offer yet he’s receiving interest from Baylor, SMU , Houston and Texas State.
“Baylor is the school I’m in most contact with. We speak weekly, I was supposed to go there last month but the pandemic forced my visit to be cancelled.“ said Courtland . Surely those teams were intrigued by his 4.5 -4.6 seconds 40 yard times and 100 meter time of 10.9 seconds. Speaking on the hometown team UTSA “ I’ve been to a few camps and caught their eye with some of my times, but they never got to me.” Courtland stated.
Speaking on the pandemic, Courtland isn’t slouching due to social distancing “ During this time I’m doing workouts from a trainer, lifting weights ,jogging and treadmill workouts. What ever he comes up with I’m staying on it!” He stated.
Courtland also runs track 100m and 4x100m relay events, power lifts and plays for San Antonio’s South Texas Sting 7on7 team in the off-season in addition to playing Highschool football. He maintains a GPA of 3.3 heading into his senior season.
South Texas Sting 7 on 7 coach Hilario Gomez recognizes the talent and more in Courtland. “He’s not your typical DB. He’s a calm and collected, lead by example type of athlete and without a doubt one of the most humble kids I’ve come across. Courtland’s track background has really helped develop him into a reliable DB that can play the run from the safety position. Along with being a cover corner when needed. Which has been displayed for us since his freshmen year while running with us every spring.” Said coach Gomez.
With a frame that looks like he could add more weight it will be very interesting to see what offers are about to be extended. With the size and speed needed for P5 attention. Courtland is focused on the task at hand , the upcoming season .“ I've seen the schedule and I don't really care who's on it. I'm just hoping for a much better season full of effort from my teammates and I feel like we could definitely do better than what we have the past two years,If we just know our jobs and do it 100%.” He said.
Stephens grew up a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Troy Polamalu its no surprise
that Courtland’s favorite part about the game is “hitting and disrupting the play.” He said. The Brahamas will definitely look at how to maximize his talents on defense that will hopefully lead to more wins for the program.
Personal Takeaway: Courtland stops the ball! Fundamentally sound and is a great open field wrap up tackler.Plays with intensity and speed. Has body to add weight for next level and can play 4 defensive positions confidently without losing or compromising any athletic ability. Diagnoses plays fast and attacks at elite level.
You can watch Courtland Stephens and his MacArthur Brahmas teammates this up coming season in San Antonio Texas at Comolander, Heroes or Farris Stadiums this year.
FORUMS: UTSA Boulevard | Roadrunner Way
