Steelers Scout Joey Porter Jr.’s Cousin Shon Stephens at Michigan State Pro Day

Ferris State cornerback Shon Stephens continues to make a case for himself in this year’s draft, as he posted a 40-yard dash in the 4.3’s and repped 225 pounds 19 times on the bench press at Michigan State’s pro day Thursday, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.

Stephens was at Michigan State’s pro day to get more exposure from NFL teams, which is often the case for smaller school players. Per Melo, 29 of 32 NFL teams sent scouts to watch Stephens perform, and one of those teams were the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers met with Stephens at the College Gridiron Showcase, sources told Nick Farbaugh of Steelers Now. So Pittsburgh is certainly intrigued. It also should be noted that Stephens is the cousin of Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

“Show stoppa !! 20 bench, 4.3 forty!! Tape go crazy! What else you need, League him!” Porter wrote on his Instagram Story about Stephens’ pro day performance.

In 11 games this past season, Stephens picked off eight passes while returning one for a touchdown. Stephens has had a whirlwind NCAA career. Partially, by the fact that he simply did not play from 2019 to 2021. Twice, he was supposed to transfer to the FBS level, both to Power 5 teams. First, it would have been to Penn State in 2021 as a walk-on. Then, this past portal season, it would have been to Purdue to play for Ryan Walters. Yet, the NCAA denied him immediate eligibility the first time and rejected his hardship waiver this time around.

The hardship waiver was based on Stephens staying behind to help his mother, who had fallen ill during the three years he did not play. At Penn State, his degree progress was not far enough along, either, but he graduated in 2022 from West Liberty. Hoping to gain the extra year of eligibility, Stephens hoped the NCAA would be more lenient on his situation, but they were not.

But the same thing has occurred at every stop — Stephens has balled out. Stephens was a first-team All-American at the Division II level with West Liberty, just outside Wheeling, West Virginia. It is all but certain that the Steelers have at least heard about Stephens, given their proximity to West Liberty. He put up eight interceptions a year ago and is firmly on the radar of the NFL as a result of his play this year as well.

Before the season, Stephens ran a confirmed 4.39 40-yard dash. And he has continued to put up impressive seasons, even if he did not get to do it at the FBS level. The Steelers came to watch Stephens in 2022 while he was at West Liberty, and so there was already a level of familiarity. Now, with a meeting, pro day visit and their love for bloodlines, Stephens could end up in Pittsburgh.