Stevenson shows off his speed in Alabama
UH receiver would be happy to be drafted by any team
Marquez Stevenson’s reputation as a dangerous deep threat — and his nickname — have preceded him at the Senior Bowl.
The University of Houston wide receiver and intriguing draft prospect has been a popular man in Mobile, Ala., while meeting with NFL scouts, coaches and executives in advance of Saturday’s all-star game. When they sit down with Stevenson, they’re greeting him as “Speedy.”
“They think I’m a really good player, and the teams were calling me ‘Speedy’ before I approached their tables for interviews,” Stevenson said in a telephone interview. “They know what’s going on. I can do everything the other guys can do, and there’s nothing they can do that I can’t do.”
What’s happening for Stevenson, fully healthy after missing two games with an ankle injury last season, is reinforcing how explosive he is with his ability to create separation. Stevenson burned Central Arkansas corner Robert Rochell for a long touchdown catch in a one-on-one drill during the first practice this week.
“It’s about showcasing my speed and showing the teams that I can be an allaround receiver and play on special teams, do it all,” Stevenson said. “I feel like I’m the fastest guy, and I want to showcase that.”
Stevenson doesn’t have his heart set on a particular round to be drafted. He just wants to be selected as high as possible and land with a good organization. He is completing a series of meetings with all 32 teams this week, including the Texans.
“Wherever I go, it’s a blessing,” Stevenson said. “I’m aiming for the top rounds.”
Stevenson models his game after such NFL speedsters as standout Kansas City Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill.
“Guys that can take the top off the defense like him, that’s who I watch and what I’m about,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson said he has run the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He has been training at House of Athletes in Weston, Fla.
“I’m just getting bigger and stronger in the weight room,” he said. “I’m crisping my routes. I’m working hard.”
Stevenson is fully healthy now after his first two college seasons were erased by a torn anterior cruciate ligament and a broken collarbone. He caught 75 passes for 1,019 yards and nine touchdowns after returning from the knee injury.
“Getting hurt made me focus on things like the classroom,” Stevenson said. “Football isn’t forever. I ended up graduating, too.”
Stevenson caught 20 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in just five games for the Cougars last season. He averaged 36.2 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown.
The Louisiana native had a prolific career with 147 career receptions for 2,269 yards and 22 touchdown catches. Two season ago, he caught 52 passes for 907 yards and nine touchdowns.
Stevenson credits UH coach Dana Holgersen for helping him refine his skills.
“It was a blessing being coached by coach Holgersen,” Stevenson said. “He upgraded my game, and I learned a lot from him.”
At 6-0 and 185 pounds, Stevenson is on the leaner side, but he’s tough and flexible and can accelerate past cornerbacks by stopping and breaking free. He’s been catching passes this week from Alabama quarterback Mac Jones, Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond and Wake Forest quarterback Jamie Newman while quickly building timing.
Stevenson is eager to prove himself as he competes with Power Five conference athletes.
“When I line up against guys from a bigger school, I want to show what I can do,” Stevenson said. “I’m from a smaller school, and we’ve got some dogs. Guys that come from my school that get to the league, they got there for a reason. Because it’s not easy to make it to the league from a smaller school.”