2007 NFL Draft: Cameron Stephenson Shows His Versatility

By Jeremy White, NFLHS.com

At Harbor High School in Santa Cruz, Calif., Cameron Stephenson played on both sides of the ball. That's common at the prep level, and one of the things Stephenson loves so much about varsity football.

In college, the two-way player is a rare thing. Once in a while it'll happen with a receiver/defensive back. It certainly doesn't happen on the line, where the 6-foot-3, 306-pound Stephenson plays.

"I think playing both sides of the ball is important in high school," he says. "It helps you out because you never know where they'll play you in college. I went to junior college for a year before going to Rutgers. I played defensive line there. When I got to Rutgers, I started with a little defense before being switched back to offense."

The difference in ability between high school and college players is huge, Stephenson says. It's something he noticed immediately when he took to the practice field at Rutgers, where he was a three-year starter and one of the strongest players on the team (at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February, he managed 34 reps on the 225-pound bench press test).

"When you move up another level it is so different," he says. "The guys are bigger and stronger and they're so much faster and have so many moves. The coaching is so different, too. It's so much more involved."

While playing the line on offense and defense are not day and night, they have their difference as well. Stephenson learned in high school that each side of the ledger has its own unique moves and mentality.

"Defense is more about getting off the ball and reacting to the ball," he says. "Offense is about footwork and balance and keeping your weight centered so you can take on the guy coming at you."

Because he was accomplished on both sides, Stephenson says making the move playing offense full-time wasn't difficult.

"Moving from defense to offense is a plus because you're familiar with the moves you'll be encountering and that helps you anticipate and be a better player," he says.

Stephenson maintains that while the so-called skill players get most of the glory, opening a huge hole for running backs is quite rewarding.

"It's very comforting," he says. "If the running backs perform well it's going to be a reflection on your abilities--and the running back may even take you out to eat!"

Like a typical lineman, food is never far from Stephenson's mind.

Story courtesy Red Line Editorial, Inc.