Athlete Q&A: Get to Know Up-And-Coming Linebacker Desman Stephens

Following an effective freshman season on both defense and special teams, House of Victory caught up with linebacker Desman Stephens for a sneak peek into how he’s getting ready for the upcoming season and what he’s doing to take the next step in his game.

 

House of Victory: You’re coming off a pretty impactful freshman year, were you expecting to come in and play so much right away? 

Desman Stephens: Coach Riley definitely tried to show me what plan he had in store for me during the recruiting process, and coming in I just had to trust in him and trust in that plan and it all worked itself out. 

HOV: What can USC fans expect from you this season and from the defense as a whole?

DS: Expect a guy that’s consistent, on the field and off the field. I'm going to do my job and encourage everyone around me to do their best as well to reach their fullest potential. I’m a guy who’s going to come in and make plays. Our defense is going to be flying around, trying to create turnovers, definitely maximizing those turnovers. No thinking, just playing fast. I feel very strongly about the consistency in my character and I’m hungry and I’m really excited for what this season and this team have to offer. 

HOV: How can you take the next step in your game for the upcoming season and what are some specific areas that you’re working to improve?

DS: I’m trying to just step up in all aspects of the game, everything from recovery, leadership, and putting in the extra work to maximize all the different things that it takes to be a great player and great teammate. 

I’m working on getting bigger, stronger and faster because that always helps over the course of the offseason. I’m getting conditioned before going into fall camp, so I’ve been working on that a lot and it’s been great. As far as football, I’m locking in on the minor details and the little things. 

HOV: What are some of the things that you’re most excited about for this upcoming season? 

DS: Honestly, right now I’m excited about the journey. Taking it day by day. If I just take it day by day, everything I’m working for in the long run will take care of itself based on the work I’m putting in. Having a year in the program definitely helps, but honestly I’m just going out and playing free and balling. 

HOV: What is your favorite HOV event that you’ve been a part of so far?

DS: Definitely the Adaptive Fitness Class that we were a part of with Angel City Sports. Working out with the adaptive athletes was really cool. Seeing how many different adaptations to the workouts that we’re so familiar with can be made, seeing how to execute them and seeing what a good attitude these athletes showed up with to work out, it was cool to be a part of. Everyday is a blessing to be fully functional, and I pray that it’s like that for as long as it can be for me. You don’t really think about what it would be like everyday if you had a disability, so it was definitely eye opening to see that. 

HOV: Tell us about growing up in Michigan and how that shaped who you are today. 

DS: Growing up in the Midwest is a different type of vibe from growing up anywhere else. We bring a different toughness and work ethic. I feel like that’s a strong point for people from where I grew up, I know it is for me. Whether it’s work or football it’s good to be around that culture.

HOV: In high school you also played basketball, and at a very high level! As someone who was team captain, team MVP, All-League First Team, All-State Second Team, what made you eventually choose football?

DS: Football was always my first sport. I didn’t pick up basketball until a little later in elementary school, but football was my first love. I love basketball too, but when I compare the two, I like basketball and I love football, it was never really the same level. 

Quick Hits:

• Pre-game routine: I listen to the Take Care album by Drake and I listen to Graduation by Kanye every game day. Both of them, the whole album because I like to be chill and have a clear mind so I can go do my thing.

• Best USC tradition: After the game, singing our songs and chants in the locker room, chanting that with everyone is such a good feeling.

• Favorite thing about Michigan: Spending time at the lake and having a chill day.

• Favorite thing about LA: There are just so many things to do, you have access to so much without having to drive too far.

• Hidden talents: If I didn’t play football and I took some singing lessons I could be a great singer, right now I’m just a solid singer.