2013 Rookie Class: Shaun Stephens, WR

Let's shift focus to the offensive side of the ball today and take a look at Shaun Stevens, WR, Prairie View A&M.

Shaun Stephens is listed as 5'9, 180 pounds. At his pro day before the 2011 draft, he ran a 4.56 40 time, with a 1.52 10 yard split, and put in a decent vertical at 32 inches. In his senior season at Prairie View A&M, he hauled in 63 catches for 859 yards and 9 touchdowns.

Here's what I like about him. Stephens is a strong receiver who plays the ball in the air extremely well, even when getting manhandled by DBs. A lot of his highlight reels are spent on catches over, around, or on top of defensive backs, which is a necessary skill in the AFL, where players are required to make catches not only over defensive backs, but on top of and over the boundary wall as well, and Stephens isn't afraid to make that kind of catch. 8 of his senior season games also featured a YPC of over 10 yards, so he's used to spending a lot of time behind defenses. These will all be good skills in the AFL.

On the other hand, Stephens comes in a little on the short side. He's a full 4 inches shorter than Jesse Schmidt, and is the shortest WR on the Barnstormers roster by 2 inches. It's hard to say how much of an effect that will have, but it's definitely a factor. The Barnstormers are carrying quite a few receivers they really like, between Thomas, Taylor, and Bowser, and they have AFL experience with Josue Paul and Darius Reynolds. Overall, I doubt Stephens will see the starting lineup, barring injury, in his first year.


2013 Rookie Class:

Kyle Nunn, OL, South Carolina
Josh Wilkins, DB, Fayetteville State
Shaun Stephens, WR, Prairie View A&M
Gershom Jordan, OL, Tennessee State
Everett Corley, DL, Midland
Brian Boemer, C, Southern Illinois
Damario Ambrose, MLB, Arkansas

Kai Brown, FB, Brown

COUNTDOWN TO AFL 2013 KICKOFF: 39 DAYS

The Iowa Barnstormers 2013 Free Agency: 1/29/2013

Alright, sorry it takes me so long to update this blog. Life gets in the way and I can't always do stuff that doesn't get me further in school or make me money. I'll try my best to keep up though.

Without further ado, let's take a look at some more signings for the 2013 Barnstormers.

Significant Signings:

Cameron McGlenn, DB (Spokane):

I'm gonna go ahead and start with Cameron McGlenn being signed to a contract...by Spokane. The Barnstormers let him walk this year, and I couldn't be happier. For every INT, McGlenn was beaten in coverage at least 5 or 6 times over the years, and it's about time the Barnstormers let this experiment rest. Maybe he'll fit better in schemes for the Shock.

Mike Lewis, DL:

The Barnstormers are returning Lewis after he spent the last two seasons playing for a dominant Utah Blaze defense. In two seasons with the Blaze, Lewis racked up 23 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 24 tackles for a loss, and an interception. Last year, Lewis very nearly outsacked the entire Barnstormer defense, so his presence should make an immediate impact.

Jason Simpson, DB:

Easily the best DB on the roster last year, Simpson is coming off a huge 10 interception season for Iowa. He also appeared to be a leader on the defense, making tough plays when it counted, and getting the crowd involved with physical play and hard hits. He also ended the season with over 1700 yards on kick returns, and will continue to make an impact on special teams. Look for Simpson to be a leader among a young group of DBs.

John Mohring, JLB:

Anyone else remember Mohring's suspension last year for knocking out Eric Meyer? A totally inappropriate hit, deserved suspension, and all that. That aside, there's something to be said for bringing back the player who may have been the most physical player on the defense last year, with all due respect to Jason Simpson. While his tackles and turnover stats aren't necessarily the most spectacular, he's definitely someone to be paid attention on the Barnstormers defense.



Significant No Shows:

Any player, FB:

Somebody's got to come in and fill the huge hole that Rodney Filer left on this offense. His strong running aside, the offensive line was in shambles without Filer's leadership and assistance in pass blocking, so a solid blocker at the fullback position is a must have.

2013 Rookie Class:

Kyle Nunn, OL, South Carolina
Josh Wilkins, DB, Fayetteville State
Shaun Stephens, WR, Prairie View A&M
Gershom Jordan, OL, Tennessee State
Everett Corley, DL, Midland
Brian Boemer, C, Southern Illinois
Damario Ambrose, MLB, Arkansas

I'll be trying to get a write up on each of these rookies done before the start of training camp, with my final roster predictions up the day before training camp begins. That's my goal. Hold me to it!