WICHITA FALLS, Texas – For the first time since 2015, West Liberty football has an All-American. Standout defensive back
Shon Stephens has garnered a first team defense selection on the 2022 D2CCA All-America list.
A junior from Bakersfield, Calif. Stephens quickly made his name known around DII in his first season as a Hilltopper recording interceptions in each of the first three games. Also a first team All-MEC and All-Region honoree, Stephens ended the year tied for the DII lead with eight picks, two of which he returned for a touchdown.
The year began with a pair of interceptions, including a pick six, in the season-opening win at Clarion.
Stephens kept it rolling in Week Two with a Mountain East Conference record four interceptions in the home and conference opener against Alderson Broaddus. The picks came in one big situation after another with two being made in the endzone and the final a 52-yard pick-six to seal the win with 40 seconds left.
After six interceptions in two games, teams thought better of testing Stephens. He added interceptions in the Notre Dame (OH) game in Week Three just before the half and in the Week Seven overtime win over Fairmont State on the road to bring his season total to eight.
Stephens was also the main kick returner for the Hilltoppers averaging 21.70 yards per return over 30 attempts including a 61-yard runback and 155 total return yards in the homecoming game versus Wheeling.
Stephens is the 21st All-American in program history, 12th first team selection, and fifth defensive back to earn the honor. He is one of three Mountain East Conference players on the 2022 list and is one of two cornerbacks on first team. The last first team honoree was in 2009 when five 'Toppers were selected first team. Tight end Daree Goodwin was the last Hilltopper to be named an All-American in 2015, when he was put on second team. Marco Ricchetti, a third team All-American in 2012, was the last defensive back before Stephens.
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