PALM BEACH GARDENS – Keyon Stephens quite literally does everything.
The Palm Beach Gardens MVP is a showstopper. This upcoming senior athlete took the 2022 PBG team to the Class 4M regional finals.
But for this year, things are a little different.
Without quarterback Brand Campbell, Stephens must step up to the plate. Having to play both sides this year, he is ready to put on a stellar performance.
Photo Credits: Clara Sales
We already know what Stephens can do at wide receiver. He had eight touchdowns for 484 receiving yards and 40 receptions this past season.
The real question is this: What can he do at quarterback?
Photo Credits: Christian Proscia
PBG went 2-0 at the Gardens Spring Jamboree (Saturday, May 20), and Stephens looked unstoppable. His teammate Caleb Chamberlin said this about him, “He’s a lot. He’s hard for teams to prepare for because he can do so much. He can run, and he’s got a cannon for an arm, so he’s going to be great”.
Check out my highlight – https://t.co/0en3g7dPB8 @CoachHiggins50@CoachKrutsch @CoachMaggitt38 @CoachKade_Glenn @CoachDgip @keithdudz @BamaStateFB @emilee_smarr @EraPrep @FutureDraftStyl spring👀
— Keyon Stephens (@keyonstephens05) May 23, 2023
At 5-foot-10, Stephens uses his height to his advantage by using his speed and being able to run around the pocket. He can run right through the defense as well.
I see 2023 as a big year of change for Stephens and PBG. Losing some top seniors, PBG has been looking for answers. But the answer has been right in front of this team all along.
Photo Credits: DHC Visuals
I asked Campbell about his thoughts on Stephens at quarterback this year. Here is what he had to say.
“I think Keyon has a bright future at quarterback,” said Campbell, who will be playing college football at Wabash College this fall and possibly beyond that. “Him playing receiver last year really helped him understand the different route concepts and how certain defenses play. He has a huge arm that can throw the defense off, along with the ability to score running the ball as well. With all that being said he has never played quarterback on this level.”
Campbell had more to say.
“Although I believe he is very ready to have a breakout year at the quarterback position, there will also so be sometimes where maturity will come into play,” Campbell continued. “His biggest thing will be how he can handle adversity and high-pressure situations. Coach OB (Obrian Edwards) will put him into good situations, and I will try my best to help continue to mentor him for this upcoming season. I am very confident in Keyon this fall, especially after watching the spring game.”
5.20.23 C/O 2024 QB #2 Keyon Stephens with the Scramble TD@keyonstephens05 #Jamboree2K23 #Springfootball Full Game: https://t.co/B9wP2y4yVx pic.twitter.com/8RnFRyVYgC
— NSN (@NelsonSports_) May 21, 2023
I do see a bright outcome in Keyon’s future. Not only does he play football, but he has a great attitude on and off the field.
Being a character amongst himself, he is excited to lead the PBG offense into many victories this season. Being a leader is his most important attribute he tells himself.
“Being a leader is natural to me, but this year I get the chance to show how great and capable I am of being one,” Keyon said. “I want the younger kids to look up to me and to build a bond with me. I want to make sure that they know that I am always here for them if they need anything.”
Keyon is exhilarated to start at quarterback this season, and I bet that everyone else is too. I cannot wait to see what PBG has in store for this season.
