Commit Alert: Travis Stephens
There is no question, going into the 2009 season defensive line is an area of need for KU. The football staff has made it a point to get more athletic, in the front four and junior college first-team All-American defensive tackle, Travis Stephens of Blinn Community College (TX.), is a prime example of what they’re looking for. Stephens held offers from such notable programs as Arizona and Michigan State. At 6-3 265 lbs., Stephens will be a force to be reckoned within the Big 12 next season.
Strengths: The first thing that will show up when Stephens arrives in Lawrence in the spring, will be athleticism. He has an amazing first step that allows him to get off blocks very quickly and get depth in the backfield. He’s very light on his feet moving down the line so he doesn’t get caught up in misdirection plays very often. Stephens played defensive end at 265 this past season at Blinn, with added strength to go along with his athleticism and high motor he will certainly play inside at KU.
Weaknesses: How smooth can Stephens make the transition from defensive end to defensive tackle on the college level? With additional weight, will he be able to maintain his athleticism? Stephens should be able to accomplish both rather easily, but these are some of the questions the football staff will be looking to get answered when Stephens arrives.
’09 Outlook: Stephens will immediately become a part of the interior line rotation (Johnson Jr., Blakesley, Greene, etc.) He is scheduled to graduate from Blinn in May, so he will have ample time to learn his new position and work with strength and conditioning coach, Chris Dawson over summer workouts. KU lacked a solid run stopper since James McClinton, but Stephens has the potential to make an impact, taking KU’s defensive line to a Big 12 North Championship level.
