Returns as the team's top starting pitcher . . . is recovering from off-season surgery . . . transferred to Samford from Alabama Southern Community College prior to the 2008 season.

2008 (Junior): Made 12 appearances on the mound, all as a starter . . . posted a record of 7-0 and an ERA of 2.22 in 81.0 innings of work . . . missed the team's final series and the OVC Tournament due to injury . . . in his Samford debut, pitched 6.0 innings, giving up just one run and earning the win against Kennesaw State . . . pitched the complete 9.0 innings, giving up no earned runs in win over Rider . . . gave up just two runs on four hits over 8.0 strong innings against Tennessee-Martin . . . pitched a complete-game shutout at Murray State . . . pitched a complete game, giving up three runs and tying a career-high with six strikeouts against Austin Peay . . . gave up just one earned run over 7.0 innings of work at Southeast Missouri . . . tossed 8.0 strong innings, giving up no earned runs against Eastern Illinois.

Previous College:Was the top pitcher on a staff that helped Alabama Southern Community College to a No. 17 national ranking . . . was ranked in 10 categories.

High School: Prepped at Crestview High School . . . was the team's MVP as a freshman and senior . . . named All-Conference as a senior.

Personal: Born Sept. 23, 1986 . . . son of Jim and Barbara Stephens . . . majoring in business administration.

ONE-ON-ONE WITH STEPHENS
The strangest nickname I ever had was: Big Bird.
My parents were right when they said: do your best.
I have to admit, I am really good at: cooking.
The hardest thing I have ever done is: work construction.
My worst fear is: clowns.
My craziest dream is: fighting clowns.
Hobbies: fishing, paint ball and ping-pong.
Favorite singer/group: Garth Brooks.
Favorite actor or actress: Tom Hanks.
Favorite cartoon character: Goofy.