'16 FL WR Kevin Stepherson (Notre Dame Early Enrollee)

[Big23Head]

He told Anna he was reporting to campus today

 

[Booslum31]

He told Anna he was reporting to campus today

Very Cool...Welcome Kevin!

 

[BeauBenken]

I hope we have found another overlooked player. Would love another Will Fuller scenario.

 

[clashmore_mike]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I'm ready to fight!&#55356;&#57152;&#55356;&#57152;&#55356;&#57152;&#55356;&#57288;&#55357;&#56538; <a href="https://t.co/01zmXPaqdu">pic.twitter.com/01zmXPaqdu</a></p>— Kevin Stepherson (@KevinStepherson) <a href="https://twitter.com/KevinStepherson/status/685890941463490560">January 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Officially welcoming early enrollee, Kevin Stepherson to the family!

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JoinTheF16HT?src=hash">#JoinTheF16HT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoIrish?src=hash">#GoIrish</a> <a href="https://t.co/VxKUmXVyED">pic.twitter.com/VxKUmXVyED</a></p>— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/NDFootball/status/685888261735100416">January 9, 2016</a></blockquote>
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[NDVirginia19]

Can't put my finger on who he reminds me of... I agree mostly with the Golden Tate 2.0 comparison, he looks like has really solid hands especially in traffic, and he's shifty in the open field. Any idea what his speed is like? Doesn't look like he has the top gear like Fuller

 

[Sherm Sticky]

I don't think he is going to be a super star. But I can see him being a good # 3 or 2 WR like Chris Brown. Which is a good thing.


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[drake29]

I don't think he is going to be a super star. But I can see him being a good # 3 or 2 WR like Chris Brown. Which is a good thing.


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Agree with this and I think most would be happy with that for a ceiling in regards to Stepherson. ND has and will continue to recruit absolute studs at WR. I hope the kid makes an impact but I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't see much time for the first few years. Maybe even a position switch down the line. I don't think 3 stars for KS is 'criminal'. Looks about right when you compare him to other 3 and 4 star players. Everyone can 'hope' that this kid turns into Golden Tate or Will Fuller but the kid just got to campus and his has a long way to go. A lot to like but he's going to face stiff competition...

 

[BGIF]

Is still planning on being an EE. Look for it to be announced around Jan. 3rd when his school is back and the paperwork is finalized. Per BGI.

Stepherson arrives at Notre Dame

Tom Loy 1/9/16

Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast three-star wide receiver Kevin Stepherson is no longer just a commit for the Fighting Irish in 2016.

The talented pass catcher has made his way to campus and starts classes Monday.

...

 

[ResLife Hero]

I don't think he is going to be a super star. But I can see him being a good # 3 or 2 WR like Chris Brown. Which is a good thing.

I have similar hopes/expectations for Stepherson, and I think the Chris Brown comparison might be pretty solid. I did find this comment from an OFD article on McKinley's commitment a little surprising yesterday:

Instant Impact

McKinley may get a shot to contribute this year, especially with the departure of Will Fuller. It's probably a close call between McKinley and Kevin Stepherson for who is the most polished receiver in this class; I'd expect both of them to play. McKinley is physically ready for the college game and, while he has some stuff to work on, is about as well-rounded an incoming freshman as you could ask for.

Elite WR Commits to the Irish at the Army All-America Game - One Foot Down

Hopefully I'm underestimating Stepherson because I expected him to work his way into a rotation after a couple years, not be an instant impact kind of guy.

 

[IrishLax]

I have similar hopes/expectations for Stepherson, and I think the Chris Brown comparison might be pretty solid. I did find this comment from an OFD article on McKinley's commitment a little surprising yesterday:


Elite WR Commits to the Irish at the Army All-America Game - One Foot Down

Hopefully I'm underestimating Stepherson because I expected him to work his way into a rotation after a couple years, not be an instant impact kind of guy.

Yeah, I'm not really sure how I could see him working in to the early rotation. Maybe at slot? The thing is, WR depth is going to be really shallow this year, so it could be very easy to see a scenario where someone is thrust into action that otherwise might not need to be. I'd personally bet that the odds are higher than not that Stepherson redshirts and McKinley plays this year.

 

[IrishLion]

Yeah, I'm not really sure how I could see him working in to the early rotation. Maybe at slot? The thing is, WR depth is going to be really shallow this year, so it could be very easy to see a scenario where someone is thrust into action that otherwise might not need to be. I'd personally bet that the odds are higher than not that Stepherson redshirts and McKinley plays this year.

It's crazy how the WR position goes from "loaded" to "basically unproven" in one offseason with the departures of Fuller and Brown.

ESB - Hunter - Robinson
Boykin - Sanders - Holmes/Brent/Frosh?

In an offense that uses primarily three receivers, there isn't even a clear two-deep at this point based on previous production. Robinson almost has to be a starter because of experience, and it sounds like ESB has the best shot to be the next freakshow, and Hunter will finally get his chance as the primary 2nd/3rd option.

After that, it's clear that Sanders will be the secondary slot receiver, and that Boykin will get reps on the outside. That's 5 guys. ND basically made it through this season using only 5 receivers, but that was with everyone clearly in a pecking order of sorts. I'm not even confident that the outside receivers will be ESB/Robinson/Boykin. We could see ESB/Sanders/Hunter as the primary set. What a strange and unpredictable depth chart.

Can't wait for spring ball to see how it shakes out.

 

[pkt77242]

Yeah, I'm not really sure how I could see him working in to the early rotation. Maybe at slot? The thing is, WR depth is going to be really shallow this year, so it could be very easy to see a scenario where someone is thrust into action that otherwise might not need to be. I'd personally bet that the odds are higher than not that Stepherson redshirts and McKinley plays this year.

It's crazy how the WR position goes from "loaded" to "basically unproven" in one offseason with the departures of Fuller and Brown.

ESB - Hunter - Robinson
Boykin - Sanders - Holmes/Brent/Frosh?

In an offense that uses primarily three receivers, there isn't even a clear two-deep at this point based on previous production. Robinson almost has to be a starter because of experience, and it sounds like ESB has the best shot to be the next freakshow, and Hunter will finally get his chance as the primary 2nd/3rd option.

After that, it's clear that Sanders will be the secondary slot receiver, and that Boykin will get reps on the outside. That's 5 guys. ND basically made it through this season using only 5 receivers, but that was with everyone clearly in a pecking order of sorts. I'm not even confident that the outside receivers will be ESB/Robinson/Boykin. We could see ESB/Sanders/Hunter as the primary set. What a strange and unpredictable depth chart.

Can't wait for spring ball to see how it shakes out.

I just want to say that I made the argument in the McKinley thread that we aren't very deep next year at WR, and plenty of people wanted to argue with. Glad to see that great minds think alike.

 

[Old Man Mike]

We'd be a lot "deeper" if Brent gets his act together, and Robinson is fully healthy and remembers how to sky for the ball. Also, I believe that Coach will see the huge value in having Smythe as an in-line blocker while AJones gets flanked.

That would give us: ESB [hopefully as good as the coaching remarks]// Hunter// Robinson
----------------------- Boykin// Sanders// Brent ... and Alize Jones part-time.

That STILL has a chance to be labeled "loaded." ... if it's Kizer throwing, and Sanford + Kelly coaching, then that passing game should roll rather conventionally. If it's Zaire, probably still rolls but less conventionally.

Whether any rook can muscle in on that, who knows?

 

[IrishLax]

It's crazy how the WR position goes from "loaded" to "basically unproven" in one offseason with the departures of Fuller and Brown.

ESB - Hunter - Robinson
Boykin - Sanders - Holmes/Brent/Frosh?

In an offense that uses primarily three receivers, there isn't even a clear two-deep at this point based on previous production. Robinson almost has to be a starter because of experience, and it sounds like ESB has the best shot to be the next freakshow, and Hunter will finally get his chance as the primary 2nd/3rd option.

After that, it's clear that Sanders will be the secondary slot receiver, and that Boykin will get reps on the outside. That's 5 guys. ND basically made it through this season using only 5 receivers, but that was with everyone clearly in a pecking order of sorts. I'm not even confident that the outside receivers will be ESB/Robinson/Boykin. We could see ESB/Sanders/Hunter as the primary set. What a strange and unpredictable depth chart.

Can't wait for spring ball to see how it shakes out.

The tricky thing is that it was reported on some premium sites that Robinson might give up football, so then what happens if that's the case? Clearly, ESB is going to start at one spot and Hubter somewhere... he can play either inside or out. If he starts in the slot, then it's got to be Boykin or or a frosh on the outside you'd have to think, unless Holmes takes a big step forward. If Hunter starts outside, then it's probably Sanders or a frosh (or Brent?) that would play in the slot?

I think the only thing we know for certain is that ESB is going to start, and anything else is sort of a guess in the dark. Spring ball will be very interesting for a number of reasons, the WR position being one of them.

 

[Cackalacky]

I think we see a shift in the offensive sets this year. It won't be like last year where Fuller and Brown had all the production. I fully expect to see more of Jones and Weishar involved and Fullers production spilt amongst 2 or even three of the receivers, with Hunter and ESB being the major recipients. I think the majority of WR formations will be more like this:

ESB And Hunter with Jones and Wieshar at TE and Folston orAdams mixed in at RB/Slot as well. That is great IMO as far as production goes.

Another set would most likely be:

ESB, Hunter, Boykin, and Weishar with Folston and Adams in Shotgun/ pistol set.

This being the case I see much playing time for the backups because I don't see all these guys playing every snap or being able to stay on the field every play like Fuller.

Even though we don't have depth per se, the production is likely to be found elsewhere than a full two deep WR roster.

 

[irishff1014]

Maybe we will see Jones put on a little bit of weight. Use in him in line to get some good mismatches. Hunter JR in his limited action looks explosive. I doubt this is a position the struggles.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

We'd be a lot "deeper" if Brent gets his act together, and Robinson is fully healthy and remembers how to sky for the ball. Also, I believe that Coach will see the huge value in having Smythe as an in-line blocker while AJones gets flanked.

That would give us: ESB [hopefully as good as the coaching remarks]// Hunter// Robinson
----------------------- Boykin// Sanders// Brent ... and Alize Jones part-time.

That STILL has a chance to be labeled "loaded." ... if it's Kizer throwing, and Sanford + Kelly coaching, then that passing game should roll rather conventionally. If it's Zaire, probably still rolls but less conventionally.

Whether any rook can muscle in on that, who knows?

If Brent is still on the team next season I don't seem him playing WR, I think the staff has committed him to RB.


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[IrishLax]

FWIW, this is Stepherson next to Jaylon.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/134725657@N04/23673401644" title="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/23673401644_bb359d77b5_z.jpg" width="352" height="640" alt="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So even if he makes great gains in the weight room over the calendar year since that photo was taken, I have a hard time seeing him being physically ready to contribute in a big way. I think he's a prime candidate for a redshirt year. If he does contribute, I would bet it would be in the slot.

 

[GoldenDomer]

FWIW, this is Stepherson next to Jaylon.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/134725657@N04/23673401644" title="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/23673401644_bb359d77b5_z.jpg" width="352" height="640" alt="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So even if he makes great gains in the weight room over the calendar year since that photo was taken, I have a hard time seeing him being physically ready to contribute in a big way. I think he's a prime candidate for a redshirt year. If he does contribute, I would bet it would be in the slot.

He looks 12

 

[zelezo vlk]

FWIW, this is Stepherson next to Jaylon.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/134725657@N04/23673401644" title="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/23673401644_bb359d77b5_z.jpg" width="352" height="640" alt="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I never knew Jaylon was so small.

For real though, I thought the kid looked younger in the previous Welcome tweet, but he really looks like a boy. Jaylon is a man amongst boys, but damn, Kevin needs a lot of time in the weight room.

 

[arrowryan]

The crazy part is that Jaylon probably isn't too much slower than Kevin is

 

[CanadalovesND]

That picture is from June. Kevin would have had/has 14 months before the season starts to build up some gains.. I'm sure he'll put on a few more pounds. Not too much he gets the benefits of a college weight room & training table starting tomorrow lol

 

[ResLife Hero]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kevin Stepherson begins ND career as earlyMichiganenrollee <a href="https://t.co/JfIs58i1SK">https://t.co/JfIs58i1SK</a></p>— Keith Arnold (@KeithArnold) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeithArnold/status/686548172873715713">January 11, 2016</a></blockquote>
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I hadn't watched his highlights before this article. The QB play seems to limit him a bit, but he looks like a playmaker with the ball.

 

[Domina Nostra]

That picture is from June. Kevin would have had/has 14 months before the season starts to build up some gains.. I'm sure he'll put on a few more pounds. Not too much he gets the benefits of a college weight room & training table starting tomorrow lol

Our two most productive WRs this year both came into ND around 160 lbs., so we should give him some time!

I also find the way his speed is reported confusing, kind of like Fuller's was. He got MVP of a Rivals speed challenge in Florida, but is not reported as having top end speed. People knew he was fast, but were not convinved he would be a burner. I think the weight room really helped Will, and I think Stepherson could be similar in that regard.

 

[ResLife Hero]

https://notredame.n.rivals.com/news/five-prospects-enroll-early-at-notre-dame-for-spring-semester

Stepherson: "He catches the ball well away from his body and shows fast and sure hands. Stepherson is a great fit for the X-receiver position, where his skills line up very well with current Notre Dame wideout Will Fuller."

 

[Luckylucci]

The tricky thing is that it was reported on some premium sites that Robinson might give up football, so then what happens if that's the case? Clearly, ESB is going to start at one spot and Hubter somewhere... he can play either inside or out. If he starts in the slot, then it's got to be Boykin or or a frosh on the outside you'd have to think, unless Holmes takes a big step forward. If Hunter starts outside, then it's probably Sanders or a frosh (or Brent?) that would play in the slot?

I think the only thing we know for certain is that ESB is going to start, and anything else is sort of a guess in the dark. Spring ball will be very interesting for a number of reasons, the WR position being one of them.

I agree that there is a lot to be figured out but from what we've seen, I think its pretty clear that Sanders needs to get some offensive touches. Very good with the ball in his hands, probably best on the team, now that Fuller is gone. My early prediction is ESB, Hunter, and Sanders. Fairly confident that it ends up being this group but will be fun to see during Spring Ball.

 

[gkIrish]

I agree that there is a lot to be figured out but from what we've seen, I think its pretty clear that Sanders needs to get some offensive touches. Very good with the ball in his hands, probably best on the team, now that Fuller is gone. My early prediction is ESB, Hunter, and Sanders. Fairly confident that it ends up being this group but will be fun to see during Spring Ball.

I wouldn't hesitate to have Alize Jones split out wide sometimes. Hunter in the slot ESB/Jones outside and some other guy as the 4th receiver.

 

[Luckylucci]

I wouldn't hesitate to have Alize Jones split out wide sometimes. Hunter in the slot ESB/Jones outside and some other guy as the 4th receiver.

Agree, I was thinking more of just the traditional WR positions (X, W, Z) but I think Alize will be featured a lot more next year. Its going to be pretty sophomore heavy offense at the skill positions.

 

[Irishman77]

FWIW, this is Stepherson next to Jaylon.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/134725657@N04/23673401644" title="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/23673401644_bb359d77b5_z.jpg" width="352" height="640" alt="12527806_824670278640_56960677_n"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

So even if he makes great gains in the weight room over the calendar year since that photo was taken, I have a hard time seeing him being physically ready to contribute in a big way. I think he's a prime candidate for a redshirt year. If he does contribute, I would bet it would be in the slot.

#doubleredshirt

 

[TheOneWhoKnocks]

247 email said he's 5'11 171.