Stephens grew up in Plano, Texas and attended Plano Senior High School. As a senior, he rushed for 1,389 yards and 15 touchdowns and was named All-State. Stephens initially committed to play college football at Stanford, but decommitted and ultimately chose to play at UCLA.[1][2]
College career
Stephens began his collegiate career at UCLA, where he played running back. After playing in only two games as a junior and graduating in three years, Stephens announced that he would be leaving the program.[3]
Stephens transferred to SMU and was eligible to play immediately as a graduate transfer.[4] During the offseason, SMU's coaching staff moved him to the cornerback position after a conversation with head coach Sonny Dykes.[5][6] Stephens became a starter going into his first season with the team and led SMU with 12 passes broken up.[7] As a redshirt senior, he recorded 43 tackles with 10 passes broken up and one interception.[8]
Stephens was selected in the third round with the 104th overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.[11] On July 21, 2021, Stephens signed his four-year rookie contract with the Ravens.[12]