Growing up in Estill Springs, Tenn., James Stovall was always known as Ryan Stovall’s little brother. When he moved to Cleveland as a freshman, he was recognized as then-Bradley Central assistant basketball coach Tia Stovall’s little brother.
Now, as a junior on the Bradley football team, “little brother” has made a name for himself.
James Stovall has become a major offensive threat for coach Damon Floyd’s team. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound receiver with a 40-plus-inch vertical leap leads the area in catches (16) and yards (307) and has accounted for three touchdowns with the Bears off to a 2-1 start.
“He’s the fastest and most athletic kid that we have here,” Floyd said. “As far as his potential, he has more potential than anybody I’ve coached with the exception of Deonte Lindsey.”
Floyd said Stovall’s mentality has changed in his second year of varsity football.
“Last year he would tell me that he didn’t really want the ball. This year he wants it,” Floyd said. “Last year he didn’t want to play defense. This year he’s willing to help us out back there.”
Said Stovall: “My mindset is that when I see a cornerback, I ask myself, ‘Do I really think he can guard me? What do I need to do to get open?’ I do believe there are corners capable of guarding me, but that can’t be my mindset right before the snap. I have to think there isn’t, because if I don’t think I can get open, I’ve already lost.”
Stovall found plenty of open space in Bradley’s second game of the season, when he caught eight passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns in a 35-0 thumping of Coffee County.
“Coach told me that he knew it was going to be a big game,” Stovall said. “He said they were going to get the ball to me more, and when I caught it to do what I do and everything would fall in place.”
Said Floyd: “There’s no doubt in my mind that James will be playing at the next level. He gets better each week, and he’s pretty dang good right now. The more experience he gets, the better he’ll continue to get.”
The Bears, as well as Stovall, are hungry for a shot at the playoffs. Last week’s district loss to rival Cleveland should only serve as a deterrent, as they feel confident about their chances the rest of the way.
“We can change this program and I can be a part of that,” Stovall said. “No matter who we play, we can compete with anybody. I believe we can win out, but it’s going to take hard work and everybody giving it their all. If we do that, we’re capable of finishing the season without losing another game.”