Nathan Stevenson

DICKINSON – Quarterback Nathan Stevenson stood in the shotgun at the four-yard line and surveyed the Devils Lake defense before calling out the snap count. The ball came to him and he turned to his right to throw. The pass option wasn’t there, and worse yet, several Firebird defenders were closing in. Stevenson deked one defender and for a moment looked to run to his right. No. 5 quickly changed course back to his left and outran the pursuit to the goal line for six points. Just another big play from the big-time senior.
Stevenson has produced plenty of highlights this fall for Dickinson. His dual-threat athleticism and strong arm provide an explosive dimension to the offense, having already thrown for just shy of 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns while racking up nearly 500 rushing yards on the ground.
Football has been woven into Stevenson’s life since elementary school, built around an appetite for contact that carries across every athletic season."I have been playing football for as long as I can remember and organized since second grade," Stevenson said. "I always enjoyed the physicality and toughness it took, and it was something my family always watched, so I grew up around the game from a young age."
A true three-sport athlete who battles inside on the hardwood in the winter and throws javelin and discus for the track and field team in the spring, that mindset translates directly to both sides of the ball. While many varsity quarterbacks are kept out of defensive collisions, Stevenson stepped in this fall as an every-down starter at linebacker.
"I’ve started at linebacker this year for us and just try to do as much as I can to help us get wins," Stevenson said. "So whether that’s scoring points or getting tackles, I’m gonna help the team however possible. As far as physicality, I’ve always loved that part of the game growing up, as well as being a stronger kid. I’ve always thrived with the physicality aspect of the game."
Now in his third season as signal caller for the offense, Stevenson’s command at the line of scrimmage looks entirely different than it did during his sophomore debut. The game has slowed down, allowing his preparation and instincts to take over.
"Some things that I am better at and have definitely gotten way better at is understanding defenses, and especially how much the game has slown down as I’ve gotten better," Stevenson said. "Confidence is something that is crucial at QB, and the more snaps and live bullets I’ve seen, the more confident I’ve become."
Familiarity within the system has also accelerated the offense's production."Something that has really clicked for me is just another year in this offense," Stevenson noted. "Our (offensive coordinator) Tyger Frye does a great job scheming stuff for us, as well as having elite athletes on the outside to make me look good."
For Dickinson head coach Dawson McGlothlin, who first worked with Stevenson when he was an assistant handling defensive backs and wide receivers, that growth has been built on steady self-reflection.
"Nate definitely has continually learned from his successes and mistakes," McGlothlin said. "Last season, as a junior, Nate would oftentimes be pretty hard on himself when he made mistakes, because he is an athlete that holds himself to a high standard. This year, I've seen a lot of growth in that area. He's done a great job of taking the game one play at a time and focusing on what's in front of him. He's learned how to move on from mistakes quickly, which is an important trait for any quarterback. That maturity has allowed him to play with a lot more confidence and consistency."
And being well prepared helps, too. 
"He's also someone who takes preparation seriously and wants to understand the game at a deeper level, which has helped him continue to grow as a quarterback,” McGlothlin added.
While box scores highlight Stevenson’s passing yardage and touchdown totals, McGlothlin points out that his demeanor under fire sets the tone for the entire roster.
"I think the way he keeps his cool during games and practice is something that oftentimes goes unnoticed for Nate," McGlothlin said. "He has done such a great job during this season of staying even-keeled and not letting past plays, good or bad, affect his next play. At times, high school athletes can struggle with giving themselves grace and allowing themselves to play freely. This season, Nate has allowed himself to play freely and make some really elite plays for us."
That steady presence extends directly into the locker room culture as Dickinson battles down the stretch.
"What I enjoy most about this team is how close we are as a group and all want to win," Stevenson said. "We all are a close bunch off the field and love competing, and we have really upgraded this year in our leaders on the team and holding fellow teammates accountable to be the best team we can be."
McGlothlin sees that daily accountability rubbing off on the younger players coming through the ranks.
"He is a great role model for the future of our program," McGlothlin said. "He is a multi-sport athlete that works his tail off in each and every season. When the offseason rolls around, he doubles down and works even harder. I do know a lot of our younger athletes will look at an athlete like Nate and wonder how he got to where he is now, and the answer is simple: every opportunity he has gotten to get better, he has taken advantage of it. No excuses or bad days, just showing up one day at a time and trying to get even just a little bit better."
Stevenson’s football career will remain local following graduation, having committed to stay in town and play quarterback for the Dickinson State University Blue Hawks.
"For him to be successful at DSU, he will simply need to stay consistent and focus on the things that have gotten him this far," McGlothlin said. "DSU has a great staff that will challenge him and continue to allow him to develop at the second level. My biggest challenge for Nate is to remember that it's football and he needs to enjoy every moment, because it flies by and is over before you know it!"
As Stevenson gears up for the final stretch of his high school campaign, his coach reflected on the mark the senior signal-caller has left on the program.
"I am proud of everything he has accomplished and excited to see where his future takes him,’’ McGlothlin said.

Photo: Loralyn Joyce