MAC SCHOOL IS THE FIRST TO OFFER CALABASAS LINEBACKER

Alec Stevenson during a photo shoot for the Rivals Camp Series held in the spring. The Calabasas linebacker received his first scholarship offer from the Unviersity of Ohio on Aug. 1 (photo contributed). 

Calabasas High School was preparing to enter the upcoming football season with 11 Coyote players holding at least one scholarship offer from an NCAA Division-I program.

Linebacker Alec Stevenson has now extended that number to 12.

The Class of 2016 prospect, who transferred to CHS from Mailbu High during the spring, received his first official pledge from the University of Ohio on Aug. 1.

“My first communication with Ohio was when they offered me today,” Stevenson said. “It’s awesome. I’m even hungrier now.”

Among the national recruits strapping on the pads for the Coyotes are Class of 2016 defensive backs Isaiah Hayes (Arizona commit), Marquel Dismuke (Nebraska commit), plus Class of 2017 wide receivers Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (22 offers) and recent Newbury Park transfer Darnay Holmes (25 offers).

In his final season at Malibu, Stevenson led the Sharks with 107 tackles, 81 solo stops and 3.5 sacks. He earned All-Los Angeles County First Team honors and won the Frontier League Defensive Most Valuable Player award.

His highlight film shows the 6-foot, 230-pound Stevenson as a run-stopping force in the middle, as he shoots through an open gap in between the center and guard and pummels a running back. He’s also reliable with his angle pursuits, as he’ll close fast down the sideline and prevent an outside run from breaking loose.

Once his junior season wrapped up with the Sharks, he joined former Oregon wide receiver James Finley and his club 7-on-7 team Gamechangers L.A. to sharpen his linebacking skills. Stevenson continued to show his angle pursuits against short passes, as he didn’t give up any long gains down the middle of the field.

“They helped a lot. Coach Fin is a great coach and all of the coaches are awesome. I love my Gamechangers family,” Stevenson said.

Before receiving offer No. 1 from the Bobcats, Stevenson said he drew interest from Fresno State, Colorado, Bucknell, Nevada and Cal Poly. He recently took an unofficial visit to San Luis Obispo to check in on the Mustangs during the weekend of April 11.