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IFL Bay Area Panthers

Panthers Sign DB JR Stevens

January 4, 2023 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bay Area Panthers News Release


The Panthers continue to strengthen their pass defense with the addition of defensive back JR Stevens.

"What I heard from Coach (Rob) Keefe (Panthers Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator) is that it's a whole new program," said Stevens. "I want to be a part of that change for the program. I want to get right to it and go for a championship."

Last season, Stevens was named to the IFL All-Rookie Team, playing for the Iowa Barnstormers. His six interceptions led the team and tied for second in the IFL, one fewer than Aarion Maxey-Penton of Massachusetts.

Stevens feels the adjustment from the outdoor game requires a greater attention to detail. He was quickly able to learn the game's nuances--like receivers coming at him with a running start in forward motion.

"I feel you have to be more disciplined because you can't cheat and you have to work on your technique," said Stevens.

Although he hasn't played yet for Keefe, Stevens is confident he'll be able to adapt to whatever comes his way.

"I can play any coverage or defensive scheme," said Stevens. "I can cover any position on the field."

Stevens played collegiately at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he cracked the starting lineup as a redshirt sophomore in 2017, earning 1st team All-America honors by the Associated Press. That season, he led Division II with 18 passes broken up and was sixth in the nation with seven interceptions.

There was no guarantee Stevens would even take the field that season. He was academically on the brink, needing to pass calculus and computer literacy in the summer in order to come back to the university.

"It was a big eye opener for me because I had to get serious about academics," said Stevens. "I couldn't enjoy my summer like my friends were doing but it made me a better man for today."



Indoor Football League Stories from January 4, 2023


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