USF Football: 5 freshmen who could have instant impact in 2017

Unlike the four players ahead of him, Stephens has had a rather quiet fall camp. He’s worth keeping an eye on not necessarily because of his performances in practice, but because of the position he plays — the Bulls are ultra-thin at defensive end, and there’s a big opportunity for a true freshman or other underclassmen to earn some playing time along the line.

There’s also the fact that Stephens was a highly-touted edge rusher who was committed to Louisville before Strong flipped him late in the recruiting cycle.

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Of the handful of defensive lineman in Strong’s first class, Stephens is best equipped to see meaningful playing time in his first season in green and gold. He doesn’t appear in line for playing time in Week One, but perhaps he can work his way into the rotation as the season goes on.