From North Augusta to Washington D.C., Drew Stevens (Class of 2022) is representing Aiken County Public Schools in the NFL.
Drew grew up in North Augusta playing recreational soccer before transitioning to a kicking role on the NAHS football team his freshman year. Coach Tony Harrell encouraged him to try out for the team.
“The transformation that he made here at North Augusta over the years is remarkable. He worked relentlessly on his craft. He was devoted to getting better. He went to every kicking camp he could.” Harrell said. “His work ethic and commitment to being the best he could be is what stands out the most to me.”
“Drew had a goal coming into his freshman year of high school, and that was to be the starting kicker and earn an opportunity to kick at the Division 1 level.” Coach Richard Bush shared.
Following high school, Drew kicked for the University of Iowa Hawkeyes football team for four seasons. During his time there, he scored 352 career points and set several school records including total field goals made, longest field goals and most 50+ yard field goals.
Following NFL Combine, Senior Bowl and Iowa Pro Day appearances, Drew’s name wasn’t called during the NFL Draft. His path to the National Football League began a few hours later with an offer to join the Washington Commanders training camp.
“I go to Washington and I treat it basically like I'm a walk on again. At the end of the day, it's two guys strapping on some boots and you're going to compete. It doesn't really matter what the titles are at that point, if it's a true competition.” Drew said. “I did very good in the OTAs (Organized Team Activities), and then after that did camp and the preseason games and did very good in those.”
“I think the resiliency that he shows and the mental fortitude that he has is something, you know, every parent wants, but you don't know if your kid might not have it. He definitely proves time and time again that he's got the mental strength, because that's really the separator that we've seen over the years.” Michelle Stevens, his mom, said.
Drew competed in several of the preseason NFL games before officially being named to the 53- man Commanders squad. For him, his job as kicker is the same as it’s always been.
“At the end of the day, it's just you on a field with a football and a snap and a whole operation. I played in the Big Ten. We played at Ohio State and Penn State's white out. They had a lot of fans and they were loud.” Drew said. “The only difference is what you make different.”
Drew credits his time in Aiken County to where he is now.
“If you're in Aiken County, the tools are there.” Drew said. “It just depends on how you use them. And then you can get where you want to go.”
“I think that sports and any activity, whether it's band or whatever your kids are interested in, that's the avenue to keep them interested in school.” Michelle said. “Drew wasn't a big lover of me checking on assignments and stuff, but without keeping a decent grade point average, none of those possibilities happen. I know that's cliche too, but I think activity exposure in Aiken County is what helps students do well in the classroom and then find bigger goals along the way.”
The Washington Commanders kick off the NFL regular season schedule playing the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 4:25 PM.
“Any opportunity he had was the direct result of his commitment to being the best.” Harrell said. “I look forward to watching him continue to shine for many years in the NFL.”
“It has been amazing watching his development over the last couple of years to watch him become an NFL kicker.” Bush said. “The North Augusta Community is excited to watch Drew kick in the NFL. There is nothing more rewarding as a coach to see a young man reach his ultimate goal."