The Ottawa Redblacks will have to keep waiting regarding the future of Deshawn Stevens, the team’s top selection from the 2021 CFL Draft.
The Toronto native received an offer from Texas State on Friday after entering the NCAA transfer portal in late April. He’s looking to use his extra college eligibility to play at a larger school where he’s more likely to draw the attention of NFL scouts.
Stevens told 3DownNation that he has not made a final decision regarding his future despite the offer from the Bobcats. He could elect to turn pro by signing with Ottawa, commit to Texas State or continue waiting for another school to offer him a scholarship.
The six-foot-two, 255-pound defender was selected No. 6 overall in the 2021 CFL Draft by the Redblacks. He projects as an elite national player who could potentially start at middle linebacker or defensive end.
He was a dominant force for the Black Bears in 2018, recording 120 total tackles, 17 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception in 14 games. He was named the team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player for his efforts.
Things came to a crashing halt the following year when Stevens suffered a torn Achilles. He rebounded during Maine’s four-game 2021 spring season, recording 28 tackles and being named First-Team All-Conference.
Coincidentally, Liam Dobson — an offensive lineman who played with Stevens at Maine — transferred to Texas State earlier this off-season. Dobson was selected No. 3 overall in the 2021 CFL Draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and it’s possible that the pair will become teammates again in the Sun Belt Conference.
Stevens grew up dreaming of playing for his hometown Toronto Argonauts. He’ll still have a chance to play professionally in his home province as a member of the Redblacks, though it remains unclear if that will be in 2021 or later.
