2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Izaiah Stephenson, CB, Simpson University

• Name: Izaiah Stephenson 
• Position: Cornerback 
• College: Simpson University 
• Height: 6’4 
• Weight: 190 
• Twitter: Izaiah24_7 
• Instagram: z8yyy__

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft? 

I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I can do anything I put my mind to. I am capable of playing all three positions in the secondary, as well as playing every position on special teams. I can travel with a #1 receiver playing man to man. I love playing press man and accepting challenges. I play disciplined and I’m very coachable. I trust my eyes, feet, and hands. I love to tackle and make plays on the football in the air. I can identify routes and concepts because of my experience as a receiver. I have great ball skills and I love competing at a high level. 

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

My injuries represent difficulties I’ve faced in my career. I did not let my injuries prevent me from continuing to play football. My injuries made me stronger than I was previously. My injuries gave me an opportunity to work on every aspect of my body. These difficulties also made me mentally stronger than I was before. 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

Outside of football I like to spend time with my brothers and cousins. We like to hike, go to the water, and go to the movies. I also enjoy coaching youth and high school football players on my free time. I have a training program called 1PB (1 percent better) based out of Sacramento, California. 

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? 

I see myself making an immediate impact on special teams. I also want to play more in the box at the nickel position making tackles, stopping the run. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

It would be the National Alliance to End Homelessness, whenever I see homeless people in my city I don’t think twice about giving them money. I’ve personally know some people dealing with homelessness and it’s sad to see them outside when it’s raining or really hot. 

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I love being coached, it gives me an opportunity to learn something new. This helps me grow mentally and I get to pass on useful information to players younger than me. Everyday I want to learn at least one new thing.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?  

The most underrated teammate on my team is Dane Lowden. Every time I’m getting work before or after practice I always know he’s going to be out there too. He gives me advice and we also work releases with each other. 

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them? 

I would have dinner with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. I chose them because they all inspired me to become a better player. I watch videos of them consistently working on their craft and see how it translates to the game. They all play with confidence and know how to handle making big time shots. 

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason? 

If I was benched tomorrow it would be because I may be banged up and I could not play to my full potential. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

Pre game routine: 

1. Lateral walks with resistance bands 2x
2. Forward walks with resistance bands 2x
3. Stretch 
4. Work breaks: 6x 90 degrees, 6x 45 degrees 
5. Hip flips 5 times 
6. Roll out in the locker room 
7. Stretch 
8. Hit the field 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food would have to be Slim Jim’s. 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I feel best playing in a scheme that involves a lot of man to man, bringing pressure on the quarterback. 

What is your degree in? 

I graduated from American River College with an AA in social science. 

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check? 

The first thing I would buy would be a lot of football cleats/ gloves and workout equipment. 

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

Last season when I was playing at New Mexico Highlands. My eyes were in the backfield, not on #1, as we were playing palms on first down. The first play in overtime he got the first down after catching a stop route at ten yards. I told myself, “Next play,” and put that play out of my mind. The quarterback was rolling out to score on third down when I hit him out of bounds, resulting in a forced fumble (ball rolled out of bounds) that prevented a touchdown. We stopped them on fourth down and our offense got on the field to score to win the game. I wouldn’t have been able to make a play on third down to prevent a touchdown if I was still thinking about the reception I gave up on first down. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Stollo P- back grieving 
2. Stollo P- S/O 
3. Vashawn Mitchell- Nobody Greater