For Lancaster High School’s Tyler Stephenson, making the right decision is paramount when it comes to choosing a college. Tyler, arguably one of the best cover corners in the country, has several of the Nations top football programs knocking on his door but isn’t too quick to pull the trigger. “Tyler is looking for the right environment where he will flourish both on and off the field,” said Stephenson’s defensive back coach, Aaron Fletcher. “The college that Tyler chooses will most likely be one that provides strong academics, a laid back atmosphere and an eclectic cultural experience, all of which are things that compliment Tyler’s personality.” Before Stephenson makes his final decision, he will most likely take all of his official visits to assure that he has absorbed each option and makes a well thought out decision. For a defensive back to possess the innate ability to cover in man as well as Tyler does is very rare and therefore choosing a college that allows him to do so will be an imperative. “In my experience, I have never seen a cover corner that has the natural ability that Tyler has, for Tyler to truly reach his upside potential it will be important that he play for a DB coach that recognizes this and a defensive scheme that compliments his attributes,” said Fletcher.
Tyler, also one of the Nations top track athletes, recently participated in meets in Puerto Rico and placed 2nd in the 110 hurdles at the Nike Outdoor competition in North Carolina. Stephenson’s track background may in-fact play a major role in his college choice. Tyler has recently expressed interest in the University of Oregon as they have both superb track and football programs. Oregon will most likely fall on Tyler’s official visit list along with the University of Arizona, University of Tennessee, Baylor University and LSU. At this point, the colleges that Tyler visits are completely speculative and may certainly change by the end of his senior year. It is; however, refreshing to see an athlete take his time when selecting a college. Many high school football players make decisions too early in the recruiting process due to the misnomer that they may get passed up. Making a decision under this type of pressure can often times lead to a choice that may not have been well considered. For Stephenson, this will certainly not be the case as he has taken a very patient and professional approach to the entire process.