2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Stephen Dennis, WR, Butler University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Stephen Dennis
- Butler University
- WR
- 6’2”
- 195lbs.
- Hometown: Lombard, IL
- Twitter: @stephen84dennis
2018 Statistics:
- GP: 11
- Receptions: 47
- Receiving Yards: 586
- YPR: 12.47
- TDs: 5
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
My motivation comes from my competitive nature to be the best, and that is to also help give my team the best chance to be successful. Having team success is always the goal and that is what drives me to keep me going.
What defines success for you?
I define success as accomplishing goals that you or the team has set. So, it really comes down to did you obtain those goals or fall short.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
My teammates would say that I am honest, dedicated, trustworthy, and hard working.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
Put God first and Family second, Never lie to yourself always be honest with yourself. No such thing as failure just opportunities to learn, be loyal and treat others as if it’s yourself just living another life.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
JJ Henderson Defensive Back for Stetson.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
Khalil Mack on the defensive side, but for offense Julio Jones.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
Chicago Bears, and because their my hometown team, I grew up watching them.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
For situations that don’t go the way that I hoped, I look at them as learning opportunities to see where I could have done something different to have changed the outcome or what I should have done to better prepare myself.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
No question Julio Jones, he’s an explosive receiver with sharp routes and incredible speed matched with strong hands and great on field awareness. I watch a lot of film on him to study how he runs his routes.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
Cherish every moment you get on that field with your friends, and choose a college program for you that has the best mix of academics and athletics where you’ll have the chance to play.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
Fat Dan’s, best wings around.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“Resiliency: Getting Back Up When You’re Down.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
Ariana Grande.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with my Papou, Grandpa, he was a great mentor and role model that I miss very much, and getting the opportunity to see and talk to him again over dinner would be incredible.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as a hardworking honest man who always puts others before myself and helped the people around me. All while putting God first and having a great relationship with my family.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
I’m a hardworking, consistent, playmaker with a great combination of speed and strong hands.
