Macomb County star opts for CMU
Do you think Central Michigan University football coach Jim Mcelwain had a Swiss Army Knife as a kid?
You know, one of those legendary pocket knives that have way more than just a blade. They typically also have corkscrews, can openers, files, saws and tiny toothpicks.
These days, the knives probably come with Wifi and USB ports, too.
Well, the respected CMU coach has football’s version of a Swiss Army Knife heading his way in the fall of 2021. Macomb Dakota’s De’javion Stepney, who is called “D.J.” by his teammates, has committed to the Chippewas.
“What he brings is versatility,” said Greg Baur, the coach at Dakota. “He plays multiple positions and that will help him in college. The more you do, the more you see the field.
“For us, he is a running back, receiver, safety, cornerback and return man. He returns both punts and kickoffs,” continued Baur.
Stepney is 6-0, 180 pounds. “I actually like playing mul
tiple positions,” Stepney said. “It shows my versatility. I will do anything to help the team. Central Michigan stayed in contact with me. They always called. They made sure I was okay and never had any doubts about my ability. They have a great coaching staff.”
Mcelwain’s resume is impressive. He coached at Florida from 2015-2017, compiling a 22-12 overall record, two SEC East titles and two SEC championship game appearances. He led Colorado State to a 10-3 finish in 2014. He was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2008-2011 and helped the Crimson Tide to two national championships. He was also an assistant to Jim Harbaugh at Michigan in 2018.
In his debut season at CMU, he led the Chippewas to a remarkable turnaround. He took over a program that won just one game in 2018 and turned it into a winner. The Chippewas were 8-6 and Midamerican West Division champions.
Stepney’s uncle is Tedaro France, the basketball coach at New Haven. France played football at
CMU. France’s son, Tyree, will be a freshman at Central Michigan in the fall. He is Stepney’s cousin.
Stepney’s business card doesn’t just have ‘versatility’ embossed on it. He is also a leader.
He was voted as a captain as a junior and that is a rarity at Dakota.
“D.J. has started for us since he was a sophomore. He is one of those guys who might be the best player on the team but he doesn’t act like it. The kids respect his work ethic. He could be a diva type kid and he really isn’t. He did well as a captain. When he needed to, he spoke up. This year he will be the voice of the team,” said the Dakota coach.
Stepney appreciated the support of his teammates.
“I have always had a leader’s mentality,” said the Dakota junior. “After my first game as a freshman, I wanted to play varsity. That season I played four games as a freshman, two on the junior varsity and then joined the varsity.”
He immediately showed he belonged. Stepney had a pick six in the Cougars’ game against Anchor Bay. He was playing strong safety.
It is probably ironic that Stepney started his football career as an offensive lineman. He was only five when he joined the Detroit
Police Athletic League program. He wore number 66 and manned both the center and tackle positions.
“I got a little faster and when I was six, they put me at running back,” recalled Stepney, laughing.
He didn’t laugh when asked about the possibility of this fall’s football season being either suspended or delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic..
“That would be very hard to deal with,” said Stepney. “The uncertainty is tough. We have to have a senior season. I don’t care when we play, we just have to play.”
When asked about his greatest moments of high school football, Stepney did not bring up any individual achievements. Instead, he mentioned a couple of big wins for Dakota.
“As a sophomore, we were going against Romeo and we beat them in triple overtime. Also, this past season, we beat Chippewa Valley in the playoffs. In all my years we hadn’t beaten them. That was a great moment.”
Chippewa Valley was the defending Division 1 state champion.
Great team moments. That is the way Stepney thinks. That is the way a true captain thinks, too.
Coach Mcelwain, throw away that rusty old pocket knife. You have a Swiss Army Knife heading your way.