NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Economics – 3.83 GPA
Head Coach: Mike Swider | Athletics Director: Julie Davis
Faculty Athletics Representative: Andy Abernethy
Boasting a 3.83 GPA while leading Wheaton in tackles in three consecutive seasons, Eric Stevenson rightfully takes his place as the first ever Thunder player to be named an NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
Set to graduate in May 2019 with a degree in economics, Stevenson plans to pursue an MBA. A 2017 Second Team Academic All-American, the Arlington, Texas, native also twice garnered Academic All-District honors while being a three-time Academic All-CCIW selection. A two-time male recipient of the CCIW’s Jack Swartz Award for academic and athletic achievement, Stevenson was named a Don and Ann Church Scholar and is one of only four Vocational Capital Scholars at Wheaton.
For the third year in a row, Stevenson led Wheaton in tackles, racking up 73 in 2018, including 9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and three interceptions. The 2018 CCIW Defensive Player of the Year led the team in tackles in five games this season, including a season-high 12 against Illinois Wesleyan. As a captain in 2018, Stevenson helped guide Wheaton to a No. 24 ranking and a final 8-2 record (7-2 in conference) while heading a unit that led the CCIW in total defense and scoring defense, limiting opponents to 218.2 yards and nine points per game, respectively. Stevenson ends his standout Thunder career with 268 tackles.
A 2017 first team all-conference selection, Stevenson guided the Thunder to the quarterfinals of the Division III Playoffs in 2016 after previously helping Wheaton win the CCIW title and reach the second round of the playoffs in 2015. Wheaton has finished each season ranked nationally throughout Stevenson’s career, topped by a No. 8 spot following the 2016 season. Stevenson has led Wheaton in tackles the past two seasons, ranking third in the CCIW in 2017 (85) and fourth in 2016 (100). The 2017 D3football.com All-North Region selection propelled the Thunder to a 38-7 overall record during his career.
An active volunteer, Stevenson has participated in a mission and cultural exchange trip to China. He also took part in a mission trip through the Wheaton Football Ministry Partnership to the Dominican Republic, where he helped build new home structures in impoverished communities. He has volunteered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository and the Feed My Starving Children organization, and he interned twice with B.C. Ziegler and Company investment bank.
