Baylor Football 2001 Q&A: Kevin Stevenson
7/1/2001 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 1, 2001
With a successful spring training in the books and the spring semester now history, the Baylor football team is turning its focus to the off-season program leading up to the 2001 season.
Before they head into a long, hot summer of preparations for the Sept. 8 season-opener against Arkansas State, Baylor Bear Insider contributor Maxey Parrish sat down with several key Bears to ask them a set of questions and garner their thoughts about the 2001 campaign.
Watch for interviews with various Bears all summer leading up to the 2001 football season. For an archive of other interviews, click here.
Kevin Stevenson, DL, 6-4, 274, Jr-2L, Abilene -- Stevenson started 10 games for the Bears in 2000 and wound up as the team's leading tackler among down linemen with 67 stops, 35 of them unassisted. He also led the team with 11 quarterback hurries and tied for top honors with three fumble recoveries.
1. Will the team be better or significantly better next year and why?
"I think we'll be much better next year. We've adjusted to the coaches. They've been here a while and we know what's expected of us. We have the incentive to work hard. We have goals. And we have the athletes to do it."
2. Who will be the team to beat in the Big 12 South this year and where do you see Baylor fitting into the conference race?
"Every team in the Big 12 South is tough, honestly. There's not any one team that stands above the rest because they're all good. I think we stand in a good position in the Big 12 South. We just have to put it all together. If we do that, we have a chance in every game."
3. What do you believe will be the greatest areas of improvement in the Baylor team next year and what do you believe will be the greatest areas of concern?
"Team unity is the greatest area of improvement. And the offense should improve with Greg Cicero's return. We have two or three really good running backs and four of five good receivers. The 'hands' players are really good. And the offensive line has played together. They'll be improved. There won't be any big problems if we take care of business for the entire game. If we get down, we don't need to panic. We just need to keep playing and execute the plays the coaches call."
4. What player or players at Baylor will be the most pleasant surprises next year?
"Melvin Barnett. He had a great spring. He showed all of us he can run the ball. And he will do whatever it takes to win. He's a workhorse in the weight room. He'll be a real surprise."
5. What Baylor players are on the verge of becoming Big 12 standouts?
"Reggie Newhouse, Greg Cicero, Chedrick Ricks, Ethan Kelley . . . they have the natural talent and they work hard. They all make big plays and want to make plays when the game is on the line. They are the guys you can count on."
6. What will you do this summer?
"I'll go to summer school, lift weights with the team and work out to get in condition."
7. What are your goals for next season?
"My big goal is to win the Big 12. It's not as simple as going to a bowl game. I want to win the Big 12. That's what we've been working for. Personally, I want to get better and help the team win. Getting All-Big 12 and All-American, that would be nice, but I'd trade all of that for the team to win. I'd be just as happy if we win."
8. Which early-season game do you view as a key next year?
"The first game, Arkansas State. It will set the tone for the season. If we go show what we can do, we'll have a foundation to build from and get better. It would build confidence for a good season."
