Steph'fon Teague learned on run for Falcons

Courtesy of John Conceision, Telegram & Gazette

Things happened rapidly for the Fitchburg State football program last summer, and developments flew even faster for Steph’fon Teague. 

Not until July was Pat Haverty recalled for his second tour as the Falcons’ coach, and immediately he turned to a short list of noncommitted athletes to throw together a catch-up recruiting class. There, he saw Teague’s name, an in-town product who produced at Fitchburg High much like Jeremy Kimber, who last year was entering his senior season at FSU. 

“I was actually thinking of going down south and playing,” said Teague, who was considering Virginia State, “but I thought I’d stay home and represent my hometown.” 

And, like Kimber, Teague was called on to produce almost immediately. 

“I talked to (Kimber) a lot, and he was a part of the recruiting, and he helped convince me to come,” the running back said. 

Less than two months after deciding on Fitchburg State, Teague already was carrying 11 times in a win over Becker. He weathered several minor injuries to lead the team in rushing (485 yards, three touchdowns) during the Falcons’ 2-8 season. 

“It’s unfair to throw a freshman out there right away and make him be one of the guys who’s going to get a majority of your touches,” Haverty said, “but numbers-wise, that’s what it was, and he responded to it.” 

Though he didn’t feel he properly prepared in last year’s offseason, Teague was a fast learner in camp. In a 28-21 victory over Coast Guard, he rushed for 88 yards and a touchdown. He had a season-high 94 yards against Worcester State in the second-to-last game of the season. 

“In college, you have to learn to hit a hole and keep going vertically,” Haverty said. “He learned that very quickly and he learned what he needed to do because of his football IQ. He came in like a freshman and grew very quickly. He grew up very fast last year, and I expect him to do great things this year.” 

“The game speed is so much faster in college than in high school,” said Teague, who says — with a smile — that he’s 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds. “Everything’s faster so I have to react quicker. And it’s much more physical. There are much bigger guys in college than high school.” 

He missed only one game while playing through ankle, hamstring and rib injuries. 

“He got beat up a little bit and banged up because he wasn’t that big,” Haverty said. “He spent the offseason knowing he had to get bigger and stronger, and he did that. And he did everything he needed in the classroom to be here.” 

“Steph’fon works so hard day in and day out, on the field and off the field,” said Jesus Moore, a senior captain and defensive lineman. “He’s a great leader and he’s not really a guy who says much, but if you watch him, he stands out because he just has those intangibles. He’s well-respected and even though he’s young, he’s definitely one of the leaders, especially on that offense that we look to for leadership.” 

“He has great vision, real good quickness, and he’s mentally tough. And in this game, you need to be mentally tough,” Haverty said. “The mental toughness and the quickness that he has probably gives him a good edge.” 

The sophomore knows he still has work to do to become one of the New England Football Conference’s top backs. 

“I didn’t think I worked hard enough during last year’s offseason,” said Teague, a business management major. “I learned from experience, so I trained all summer and now I’m actually ready. I try to improve on everything I do.” 

“He’s a very positive kid,” Haverty added. “He’s a local student-athlete that’s not only going to be a leader on the field, but also in the community and with the rest of his teammates.”