#96 Steven Stone Season 2008-09

2009
Entered season with big plans, but was quickly forced to sidelines after suffering a preseason foot fracture that required surgery… Worked hard to return to competition, seeing first action of fifth year at South Carolina… Finished the year with starts in the final four games, giving Stone 31 career starts in 42 appearances… Ended career ranked second among active Commodores with 24.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 quarterback sacks… Finished with 18 total tackles, including three tackles for loss and a sack as a fifth-year senior… Contributed five tackles against Georgia Tech, Florida and Kentucky, and three solo tackles at Tennessee… Also contributed a pair of tackles for loss at Florida… Also represented defensive line corps on the team[apos]s leadership council.

2008
One of the most consistent defensive performers for second consecutive year… Played in every game, earning 13 starting assignments at defensive end, running consecutive start streak to 25 games… Shared team lead with five quarterback sacks… Also ended season with 42 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and two QB hurries… Provided at least three tackles in eight games… Two highest tackle totals came in big early-season wins: six vs. South Carolina and seven against Auburn… Also contributed QB sacks in early wins against South Carolina, Ole Miss and Auburn… Season high in unassisted tackles (5) came in regular season finale at Wake Forest… Added two tackles for loss, including a sack, against the Demon Deacons… Had at least three tackles in four-game stretch: at Georgia, Duke, Florida and at Kentucky… Had pair of stops in Commodore win over Boston College in Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl.

2007
Started every game at defensive end, developing into one of the Commodores[apos] most dependable and productive performers… Set single-season career highs in virtually every defensive category… Finished season as the [apos]Dores[apos] seventh leading tackler with 45 total stops, including 21 primary tackles… Tied for second on team with four QB sacks and ranked third on squad with eight tackles for loss… Posted at least three tackles in eight of 12 games… Had tackles for loss in first four games, stretching consecutive games with a tackle for loss to six dating to previous season… Set career high in total tackles (8) against Alabama… Started the season with two tackles for loss in win over Richmond and ended the campaign with a pair of tackles for loss vs. Wake Forest… Notched career high in solo tackles (4) in season finale.

2006
Became a key defensive line contributor as a redshirt freshman end, playing every game as a second-team end… Ended campaign with 24 total tackles, including 22 solo stops… Ranked fourth on the team with 6.5 tackles for loss… Played superbly in Commodore road win at Georgia, contributing five total tackles… Recorded a tackle for loss in five of final seven games.

2005
Redshirted as freshman… Added strength while impressing coaches as defensive end in fall practices.

High School
Two-year starter at defensive end for the Wampus Cats… As a senior, garnered 87 tackles, including six for losses and four sacks … Blocked two kicks…. Named to Associated Press Super Arkansas Team, All-Conference and All-County squads… Started as junior, though missed last three games due to elbow injury… As a junior, team went 11-2, advancing to state semifinals… Selected to play in Arkansas East-West High School All-Star Game in June… Captain of basketball team… All-State power forward known for rebounding and shot blocking… Blocked 12 shots in first round of state tournament last year… Also participated with two-time state champion Arkansas Wings AAU basketball squad.

Personal
Steven Dennis Stone… Son of Phillip and Jan Stone… Has one brother and sister… Dad is a physician… Stone earned a degree in Economics in May, and is working toward a master[apos]s in Organizational Leadership from Peabody College… He is a four-time All-SEC Academic Honor Roll recipient… Prep teammate, Peyton Hillis, started in Arkansas offensive backfield and currently plays with Denver Broncos… Nominated for Wendy[apos]s High School Heisman Trophy… An Eagle Scout who enjoys fishing and hunting.

Conway Head Coach Kenny Smith
‘I can truly say Steven[apos]s best football is in front of him. When he is able to devote full attention to football and the weightroom, he is going to blossom quickly.

‘You[apos]re talking about an athlete in Steven. He[apos]s a 6[apos]6′ guy who runs a true 4.8 and has a 35-inch vertical leap. He[apos]s also super intelligent and very coachable. I think what the coaches really like is his discipline, as far as carrying out his assignments. That[apos]s where he is special.’