Kansas Pregame 8-Man Top 8: Grant Stephens

Throughout early to mid-December Kansas Pregame contacted 8-Man football coaches in an effort to name the third annual Top 8 team of seniors for both divisions of 8-Man football in Kansas. After an overwhelming response from coaches, and once all the votes were tallied, 16 players were selected.

This is the third of 16 individual player profiles highlighting the Top 8 selections in each division and released in no particular order. Look for more in the coming days.

Grant Stephens, FB/TE/OL/DE/LB, 5-10, 190, Little River

Grant Stephens was a pivotal component for head coach Kevin Ayers during a four-year stretch that saw Little River make three state title appearances and post a 43-7 record. The senior played in all 50 games and amassed 900 rushing yards, 526 receiving yards, 31 total touchdowns, 301 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 31 tackles-for-loss, and also averaged 32.2 yards as a punter.
 
“Grant is everything you want in a football player,” Ayers said. “He's intelligent, tough, physical, and willing to do whatever the team needs him to do. His ability to play multiple positions at an All-State level made a huge impact on our team and its success.”  
 
As a freshman Stephens played sparingly on offense, but made a considerable impact defensively, posting 22 tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and two sacks on the season. Little River experienced what would be an extremely successful 9-2 season with a quarterfinal appearance, but it would be the lowest win total and earliest playoff exit Stephens and his teammates would experience.
 
During the 2020 season, the sophomore was a key cog in Little River’s 11-2 state championship season that saw them overcome playoff rival Wichita County in the title game. Stephens' impact grew on the defensive side of the ball, where he recorded 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, eight tackles-for-loss, two pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries.
 
Stephens’ junior season consisted of more playing time in skill positions on offense. He recorded 369 yards rushing, 312 yards receiving and 13 total TDs, and while his yardage was helpful for Little River during their 12-1 season that saw them run the table right up to their 22-14 state championship loss to Meade, toting the football wasn’t necessarily his biggest strength on offense.
 
“He's an incredible blocker,” Ayers said. “Whether it's from fullback, tight end or guard he moves people.”
 
Defensively, Stephens was again a forced to be reckoned with posting 99 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, two sacks, three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and a blocked field goal. He also took over punting duties and averaged 29 yards per punt with a long of 45. 
 
As a senior Stephens posted 674 total yards with 13 touchdowns, along with his invaluable work as a blocker. He also upped his punt average to 37.8 yards with a long of 45.
 
However, defense is where Stephens orchestrated his magnum opus season individually. Along with 105 tackles, the senior recorded an astonishing 20 sacks, 34 tackles-for-loss, forced 10 QB hurries, had three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble.
 
“His physicality sets him apart,” Ayers said. “He loves the physical battle. Add in the discipline he plays with and you have an outstanding player.”
 
And while Little River came up short against Wichita County in the title game, 54-36, giving them a record of 11-2, WC head coach Brant Douglass had nothing but praise for Stephens.
 
“Grant is one of the best linebackers I have played against during my time at Wichita County,” Douglass said. “He has a great first step and reads plays quickly, he is always near the football. He is explosive on contact and was able to change the game and our offensive game plan with his aggressive style of play.”
 
Stephens is currently weighing options for his post-graduation plans with interest at the NAIA level. If he decides to play college football, Ayers believes that program will be getting a unique football player.
 
“Grant is a warrior,” Ayers said. “In big-time games he was a big-time player. He left everything he had on the field.  When our team needed a big play Grant found a way to make one.  Hopefully, our younger players feed off of that.”