2023 Football Roster
Bland, Stephon
Jersey Number 11
Stephon Bland
- Position:
- DL
- Height:
- 6-1
- Weight:
- 245
- Class:
- Fifth Year
- Hometown:
- Cumming, Ga.
- High School:
- West Forsyth
- Major:
- Psychology
Bio
Why Lehigh?: “Lehigh is a school that will push me to excel in my academics and athletics. I loved the people and the school.”
As a fifth-year (2023): Saw time in seven games as part of defensive line rotation and on special teams… made season debut with four tackles and 1.5 sacks at Dartmouth (9/23).
As a senior (2022): Appeared in all 11 games, starting final seven at outside linebacker… had big game against Fordham with career-high six tackles and a strip sack that was returned for a touchdown… added five tackles against Monmouth.
As a junior (2021): Appeared in nine games, starting five at outside linebacker… had trio of three tackle games… recorded sacks in first two career starts against Princeton (9/18) and Colgate (9/25)… career-high 1.5 tackles for loss at Penn (10/9).
As a sophomore (spring 2021): Moved from linebacker to defensive line… saw only action of season in Holy Cross game…named to Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
As a freshman (2019): Appeared in nine games, primarily on special teams.
In high school: All-county and all-region performer in football… also competed in basketball and track and field… state qualifier in 4x100 meter relay… honor roll student.
Personal: Son of Devin and Ezemond Smith… younger sibling Ezariyah.
CAREER STATISTICS (DEFENSE)
Tackles
CAREER HIGHS
Tackles: 6, vs. Fordham, 10/8/22
Tackles for loss: 1.5, 2x, at Dartmouth, 9/23/23
Sacks: 1, 3x, vs. Fordham, 10/8/22
As a fifth-year (2023): Saw time in seven games as part of defensive line rotation and on special teams… made season debut with four tackles and 1.5 sacks at Dartmouth (9/23).
As a senior (2022): Appeared in all 11 games, starting final seven at outside linebacker… had big game against Fordham with career-high six tackles and a strip sack that was returned for a touchdown… added five tackles against Monmouth.
As a junior (2021): Appeared in nine games, starting five at outside linebacker… had trio of three tackle games… recorded sacks in first two career starts against Princeton (9/18) and Colgate (9/25)… career-high 1.5 tackles for loss at Penn (10/9).
As a sophomore (spring 2021): Moved from linebacker to defensive line… saw only action of season in Holy Cross game…named to Patriot League Academic Honor Roll.
As a freshman (2019): Appeared in nine games, primarily on special teams.
In high school: All-county and all-region performer in football… also competed in basketball and track and field… state qualifier in 4x100 meter relay… honor roll student.
Personal: Son of Devin and Ezemond Smith… younger sibling Ezariyah.
CAREER STATISTICS (DEFENSE)
Tackles
| Year | G | UA | A | Tot | TFL | Sacks |
| 2019 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| S2021 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| 2021 | 9 | 12 | 2 | 14 | 3.5 | 2.0 |
| 2022 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 32 | 2.0 | 1.0 |
| 2023 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 1.5 | 0.0 |
| Total | 37 | 37 | 18 | 55 | 7.0 | 3.0 |
CAREER HIGHS
Tackles: 6, vs. Fordham, 10/8/22
Tackles for loss: 1.5, 2x, at Dartmouth, 9/23/23
Sacks: 1, 3x, vs. Fordham, 10/8/22
Lehigh Sports Central: Football
Wednesday, August 27
2025 Lehigh Football Season Preview: Special Teams
Thursday, August 21
2025 Lehigh Football Season Preview: Defense
Thursday, August 21
2025 Lehigh Football Season Preview: Offense
Wednesday, August 20
