Ex-Gopher Scott Stephenson Finds Home in Ames

Scott Stephenson transferred from Minnesota to Iowa State after playing two seasons for the Gophers on the defensive side of the field. Not only has Stephenson found a new school, but he has found a new position as he is the Cyclones' starting center.

Scott Stephenson played in nine games as a freshman for Minnesota, starting in two, including the Music City Bowl. He moved to defensive tackle following his freshman year and was expected to vie for a starting job as a sophomore. However, Stephenson did not start a game and finished with just five tackles in 12 games.

Stephenson grew frustrated with the lack of playing time and was granted a release from his scholarship on Jan. 27, 2004. He decided to transfer to Iowa State and sat out last season.

Stephenson had been frustrated watching some of his former teammates getting more playing opportunities. Former high school teammate Ryan Harris started seven games as a true freshman at right tackle for Notre Dame. Harris had played behind Stephenson, when he was named All-State.

Stephenson, now listed at 6-foot-3, 305 pounds, moved to the offensive line with Iowa State, which had been his preference. He started at center in the first two games with the Cyclones. Iowa State upset No. 8 Iowa 23-3 Saturday and faces Army Sept. 23.

Stephenson was named all-state, all-metro, all-conference and all-area his senior year at St. Paul (MN) Cretin Derham Hall. Stephenson paced the Raiders to a 24-2 record in his two seasons, including a second-place finish in 2000. He had 55 tackles, including 39 solo tackles, in his senior campaign.