Arkansas State linebacker Robert Stevens III has been named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in the Red Wolves’ 52-7 victory over West Georgia.
The league announced the honor Monday after Stevens helped lead an Arkansas State defense that forced four turnovers and scored two touchdowns in Saturday’s win at Centennial Bank Stadium.
Stevens, a fourth-year linebacker, finished with six tackles, including a tackle for loss, while adding a quarterback hurry, forced fumble and interception.
His performance made him the first Arkansas State player to record both a forced fumble and an interception in the same game since Jayden Jones accomplished the feat against Southern Miss in 2024. Stevens became just the 12th A-State player since 1995 to accomplish both in the same game.
Arkansas State coach Butch Jones said Monday that Stevens is beginning to establish himself within a defense that entered the season with limited game experience.
“Another newcomer that’s growing into our defense, and what’s happening is he’s starting to reveal himself as one of our playmakers on defense,” Jones said. “Very, very active, highly competitive young man, so excited about him.”
Stevens’ forced fumble resulted in one of the game’s biggest plays. Noah Flores recovered the ball and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown, giving Arkansas State a 21-0 lead late in the first half. The Red Wolves added another defensive touchdown in the third quarter when Five Hamilton returned an interception 91 yards.
Jones said Stevens’ continued development will come through additional game experience.
“I think the biggest thing for him, again, is reps,” Jones said. “This team really doesn’t have, especially on the defensive side of the ball, very many banked reps.”
Jones said the Red Wolves have faced two different offensive styles through the first two games, forcing inexperienced defensive players to adjust to different schemes and responsibilities.
“The week-to-week game plans, growing into that, growing into the eye discipline at the linebacker position, I think he’s kind of in the same boat that Trey (Owens) is on offense,” Jones said. “I think the more repetitions he gains for us with live game repetitions, he’s going to do nothing but get better.”
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