University Prep football player Xair Stevenson looks at the field before the start of one of USO's games during the 2023 season. (Twone Thurman | Tr35ive Visuals)
XAIR STEVENSON
School: University Prep
Position: WR-LB
Year: Senior
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
ABOUT XAIR
City League football might not have many schools but one of the football players that stand out in this league is University Prep's Xair Stevenson. What really might stick about him compared to others is his mindset. There are times that Xair is the best player on the field. And he never thinks he's better than anyone, but he knows he is different. That's one of the best mentalities to have knowing that there is always something to prove whether you're the best player on the field or not. Xair recently committed to the University at Buffalo last month and is now focused on helping USO win a City League Championship, after losing to Westinghouse in the City League Title game last season. Since the offseason, he has been getting a lot of attention at the 2Tenths 7-on-7 league as he was recently named League MVP. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Stevenson scored four touchdowns last season. He is also cousins with Westinghouse star recruit Kyshawn Robinson.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Xair, you've been making quite a name for yourself this offseason. Tell me how this offseason has been for you and tell me what you have been working on?
This offseason been going great, I have been working on everything lately because I play so much for my team defensively and offensively, but I believe the offense part is already there.
This past Spring, your team once again played in the 2Tenths 7-on-7 league. Tell me what do you enjoy about playing in the league?
I love the 2Tenths 7-on-7 league, it’s so much fun. It also helps you and your team to see what needs to be fixed and what to work on.
You also play 7-on-7 for 412 Elite. What are some of the biggest things the team has taught you?
When I played for 412 Elite, the team taught me that it doesn’t matter how much we are winning or losing by. We don’t take our foot off the gas; we keep going till the clock says 0.
This Summer, you also made your college decision by committing to University at Buffalo. What was the reason you decided to commit to Buffalo?
I decided to commit to Buffalo because of the coaches and the culture. They were giving me more love then all my other offers.
When I ask people who are some of the best players in the City League. Your name pops up in conversations. What would you say your strengths are and what do you think makes you different compared to other athletes?
My strengths are the defensive side of the ball and how I could make plays on both sides of the ball. And one thing that makes me different compared to other athletes is my work ethic, I never come off the field. It gets to a point where teams are watching film of me, and the game plan is to stop number 9.
Now, your dad is the CEO of Camp Nitty Training LLC in Rushan Roberts. He's known to have train many athletes but when he trains with you, he knows that you are his son and his own blood. What's training and life like with your dad?
From when I first started working out with my dad until now, he has made me so athletic and a dawg. One thing about my dad is it doesn't matter what time it is, when it’s time to work out, it’s time to work out. There were times when I was 13 working out in -6 degrees and the streets are covered in snow and I’m running up a hill with my spikes on. There are a lot of people that don’t like to work out with my dad because of how he trains, but I feel like it’s just him wanting you to go places and get to that next level. My dad is all in for the youth.
Westinghouse got the best of your team last year in the 2023 City League Championship. What do you think it's going to take to dethrone Westinghouse and make your team City League Champions?
It’s going to take a lot to beat Westinghouse like less mistakes and just wanting it more than them because that Westinghouse team is full of dawgs and amazing coaches. So, we got to just keep working day by day and we will come out victorious.
Who would you say are some players on your team that have been working hard that haven't received much attention as they should?
Zion Hauser is definitely the next one up and there are more players on the team that don’t get recognized that much. But Zion is just a kid with great work ethic. He stays on top of his grades, and he has a different mentality when he’s in between them lines. He deserves every single bit of respect and attention, but he will show off his talents this year.
Moving on, tell me what's it like having Lou Berry as head coach?
Having Coach B as my coach is a blessing because I knew him since I was young like 6-7 years old. He used to be my teacher in elementary school and from having him in the classroom to the field is amazing. Coach B is like another family member to me and having him as my head coach has helped me a lot.
Which team that isn't on your football schedule do you wish you could play this season?
I wish we could play Woodland Hills because it’s just the atmosphere of being on that field in equipment, it’s so different. I would just love to have a game against Woody High because we already were competitive in 7-on-7, I imagine what it would be in equipment. I feel like playing any WPIAL team will get us so much better.
I have a couple of fun questions for you. First, off what is your favorite video game?
I am a Call of Duty Warzone guy.
Who would you say is your celebrity crush?
Angel Reese
If you had to pick your dream car, what would you choose?
A Lamb Truck
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
That I love dogs.
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