First Coast Buccaneers receiver Kevin Stepherson makes a catch over Gainesville Hurricanes defender RaiJuahn Alexander. (Matt Stamey photo)
When Tony Alford bolted for Ohio State, recruiting experts wondered aloud if Notre Dame would lose their momentum in Florida.
That potential pitfall was avoided as Autry Denson stepped up big in the Sunshine State, helping to land the commitment of six recruits from the Sunshine State, including lanky 3-star receiver Kevin Stepherson from First Coast High School (Jacksonville).
Stepherson, at 6-foot-2 inches and 180 pounds, is expected to see time at the W receiver position – which, in layman’s speak, is the one that GOES DEEP.
Scout offered this take:
Stepherson shows good acceleration off the line of scrimmage and is shifty when operating in space. At 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Stepherson has big-play capabilities and does a good job of tracking and high-pointing the football as well.
Overall, Stepherson is a good looking athlete that does a little bit of everything at the wide receiver position. The standout out of Duval County runs crisp routes and can take it to the house in the blink of an eye.
Stepherson’s weaknesses, according to Scout’s Tim Prister, is his lack of extensive route-running experience and inconsistent speed.
The Irish wide receiver corps lost serious talent with the departure of Will Fuller to the NFL, and Amir Carlisle and Chris Brown to graduation. Corey Robinson is expected to return for his final year of eligibility (even if he does get elected student body president). Torii Hunter Jr., Corey Holmes and Justin Brent will have two years left. Rising sophomores Equanimeous St. Brown and C.J. Sanders would have three years remaining, while Jalen Guyton – if he returns – would have four years left. Javon McKinley will join Stepherson in the Class of 2016.
Stepherson chose the Irish over offers from Michigan, Florida, LSU, Michigan State and a host of other FBS schools.
Notre Dame graduate, class of '02 (the Davie years!). A former newspaper and TV reporter, andrewwinn is now professionally involved in something far less fun to discuss than college football. A dad, a husband and a wannabe data nerd.
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