All-Met Lineman Packing His Bags

Quince Orchard All-Met lineman Terrence Stephens has committed to play for Stanford, Cougars Coach Dave Mencarini said.

Stephens, who had plenty of other scholarship offers, visited the West Coast school last month and decided it was the place for him. While unusual, it's not unheard of for the Cardinal to get a Washington-area player. Former Georgetown Prep All-Met lineman Andrew Phillips is a rising redshirt sophomore at Stanford.

"Ultimately he picked them because how can you argue about the opportunity to get a degree from Stanford?" Mencarini said. "The kid values his education. He's put himself in a position to earn a degree from one of the best institutions in the country and can make a contribution to the [football] program. He fell in love with the palce. It takes a special kid to handle the pressure of the academics there. I think it's a great fit for him."

Stephens is just the latest in a run of local junior to make their college choice this spring. While Quince Orchard's other top players have yet to reach their decisions, Mencarini can see why so many players are committing so early - such as Lackey defensive back Darrell Givens, who decommitted from Ohio State and instantly announced he was heading to Penn State because he didn't want to deal with "being back on the market."

"In my opinion, it's brutal," Mencarini said. "These kids, they get bombarded. I see what my guys go through. They're constantly being pulled and prodded. It's a good problem to have, but at the same time it wears on you. Terrence, he had done enough homework and he found the place he wanted to be."

By Josh Barr |  May 13, 2008; 10:37 AM ET  | Category:  Football
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