Deshawn Stevens
Linebacker / Maine
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Deshawn Stevens: I am 6’2 and 246. I was 251 pounds last year.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Deshawn Stevens: I am working with people I trust. It is a routine for me. I got running and do yoga. I have been focusing on my rehab. I have been working on my agility and strength. It is an everyday cycle. I work out five or six days.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Deshawn Stevens: I played basketball for the last two years. I didn’t play any other sports. I spent the last two years at a boarding school in the US.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Deshawn Stevens: I played LT, RT, WR, middle linebacker, OLB and a little safety. LB was my main position.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Deshawn Stevens: I am from Canada. I started for three years in Toronto, Canada. Then I went to a boarding school in Connecticut for two years. I did well for myself. I had UConn, Duke, and some CAA schools.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Maine?
Deshawn Stevens: I went to Rutgers camp. I got on the field. I went through the drills, and the head coach from Maine offered me.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
Deshawn Stevens: We definitely flipped the program around since the 2016 season. My class has built it up. We showed respect to our peers. It is a family atmosphere here. We support each other. The way we have worked. We are constantly competing and find a way to make ourselves better. We call ourselves the “Black Hole”. Accountability, discipline and pride are our school’s identity. Individually, it has been a process. I had a mentor who I looked up to. I watched how he played LB, how he presented himself and how he watched film. I learned from him. I found my own way and my own style. After my redshirt freshman year, I was constantly watching film with my LB’s coach and learning the playbook. In 2017, I was behind Taji Lowe. I played nickel and dime. Taji Lowe got injured, and I started the last few games. I was working hard in the offseason and trying to build where I left off. I was being patient and committed. I earned my starting spot in 2018 and had a great season. The team had a great year. It was a fun season. We made it to the semis of the playoffs, but I wasn’t satisfied. In 2019, it was supposed to be my best all-around year. I was focusing on my craft. I achieved it all and I saw proof in the pudding. A month before training camp, my Achilles didn’t feel right. In the season opener, I was physically fit and mentally focused. I got injured and missed the entire year. I was named captain in 2019 and this upcoming year as well.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your recovery process right now from that injury.
Deshawn Stevens: It was a slow process at first. I wanted to take it slow and be patient. I have been sticking to the plan and doing what they told me. I have at least the next three months to get to where I was before. I am 90% back right now.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from Maine this upcoming season?
Deshawn Stevens: Win every game. We come to win. That is the mentality if you are from Maine. We have a lot of guys coming back. We lost a few guys, but we have experience.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Deshawn Stevens: Run stopping ability. I breakdown film really well. I am always watching and studying the game. I bring passion. Being on the field, I believe that I am the best. I let my play speak for itself. I am energetic and intense.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Deshawn Stevens: Everything. I need to work on play recognition, my pass rush, and being more fluid. I got lighter on my feet, so I can run with players downfield in coverage.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Deshawn Stevens: There is one moment that comes to mind. It was a third down play. It was a one score game. They were driving on us. I came off the edge and got the sack. I am also reflecting back on that 2018 season. We knew that we could win the CAA. We lost a teammate Darius Minor before the season. Football is a blessing. We did it for him and for each other. We enjoyed playing ball.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Deshawn Stevens: LA Chargers. I am from Canada, but I loved the uniform and LaDainian. I also loved their defense.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Deshawn Stevens: Luke Kuechly, Darius Leonard and Bobby Wagner.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Deshawn Stevens: On offense, we have OL Liam Dobson. He is an All-American. He is a guard, but he did a great job playing OT for us last year. LG Matias Staalsoe is a young guy who is hungry. QB Joe Fagnano came out last year and started balling. He is smart. He is the full package. TE Shawn Bowman is athletically gifted and smart. He is very versatile. We lost a few guys at receiver, but we still have some guys. WR Andre Miller and Devin Young is very athletic. He is an absolute dog and has the swagger. WR Jalen Jordan from Rutgers works hard. He is hungry to prove his worth. RB Elijah Barnwell, transfer from Rutgers, showed potential. RB Curtis Murray was working with the scout team last year. I like his style. On defense, we have half of the starters coming back from last year. Rich Carr is a nickel corner. We have two other corners. They are both Canadian. CB Katley Joseph is a playmaker, and Shaquille St-Lot from Montreal is athletically gifted. He runs a 4.4 and jumps 40-inches. His hands are long, and he is a physical guy. DL Josh Lezin has great run stopping ability. He will be a sophomore this year. DL Jamehl Wiley has been playing since his freshman year. He is truly special. DL Max Roberts is a Fordham transfer. He is a dog. He has great get off. LB Adrian Otero played a little as a freshman in 2018, but he was a full-time starter in 2019. He is a good player. He has gotten better and more confident. He will take that next step. He had over 80 tackles last year. Rover Myles Taylor can run around and he is a good blitzer. Ori Jean-Charles is 6’2 and 225. He is a transfer from Louisville.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Deshawn Stevens: QB Eric Barriere from Eastern Washington was doing some great things. He was outrunning a lot of our defenders and throwing 40-yard dimes.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a LB?
Deshawn Stevens: Leadership. You have to take control of the defense and set the tone. A linebacker helps you get lined up and puts in the preparation. I try to carry that type of mentality. We started the tradition here with #6 LB Sterling Sheffield. He passed down that number to me. I am a leader for the team now. I have great responsibility by carrying that number on my back.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Deshawn Stevens: It is the biggest blessing, other than life. It taught me how to be a grown up and taught me a variety of lessons.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Deshawn Stevens: I love playing video games, music, and relaxing. I love spending time with my family. My new passion is just going for a walk outside and have time to reflect. I am thankful that I am alive.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Deshawn Stevens: I have different options. I want to make the NFL. Then I want to go back to school and earn a communications degree. I want to use it to go into broadcasting in America or in Canada. I am a history major with a minor in child development.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Deshawn Stevens: Leader, hungry hard working, loving, and real.
