Courtesy of SIAC/ Alexandra Brown
Fraternal twins Darnell and Darren Stephen will line up on opposite sides of the HBCU football gridiron when Fort Valley State and Clark Atlanta kick off their football seasons on Saturday at Wildcat Stadium, marking the twins’ final season as SIAC rivals.
Darnell, a cornerback for Fort Valley State, and Darren, a wide receiver for Clark Atlanta, were inseparable until they committed to play football at separate HBCU institutions.
The twins’ mother, Nicole Stephens, a banker and South Carolina State alumna, recalls the earlier years when their competitive spirits began to shine. “I always kept them very busy, whether it was football, track, basketball, wrestling, or even robotics, chess, and sign language club,” Nicole said. “I wanted them to be well-rounded, and anything they put their hands on, they’ve always tried to master it. Football just came naturally for them.”
The twins’ path to HBCU football began in middle school and intensified in high school, where they played alongside their older brother, Nicholas. The trio, often called the “Stephens Clan” by their high school coach, shared an unbreakable bond on and off the field.
Their father, Darrell Stephens, Ed.D, a Marine veteran and middle school principal, emphasized the importance of the brotherhood. “They always pushed one another to be better,” Darrell said. “That was great because they had their own motivation built between the three of them.”
“Nick was a workaholic when he played football,” Darren stated. “Even now, my teammates will ask me why I work out the way I do, and I always credit that to him because he was doing more than me when he played.”
“Our dad always emphasized a ‘no fear’ tactic, prioritizing confidence in what you do and the work you’ve put in, on the field and in life,” Darnell explained. Darren echoed this sentiment, adding, “He also prioritized the importance of speaking up and being a leader. That has definitely stayed with me as an athlete and as a student.”
As Darnell and Darren transitioned from high school to college, they embarked on separate journeys, each selecting an HBCU aligned with their personal goals and values. Darnell found home at Fort Valley State, where the welcoming atmosphere and campus community sealed the deal on his first visit.
Darren’s decision to attend Clark Atlanta came only a few days before National Signing Day. With the opportunity to attend Albany State still on the table, the wide receiver resonated with CAU’s rich culture and opportunities for growth on the field.
“We didn’t have a specific plan to stay together or go separate ways,” Darnell stated. “We just wanted to find the right fit for each of us.”
Darren believes the separation has allowed them to grow as individuals and student-athletes. “When we came in as freshmen, we had certain things instilled in us: what we needed to do, the work ethic, and the grind,” Stephens explained. “We both had our own individual goals and knew what we wanted to accomplish. It has been great seeing it all happen over time.”
Their mother, Nicole, admits she never imagined her sons would play against each other. “Seeing them play each other, that first time at Clark Atlanta, I was so proud and wanted both teams to win,” Stephens said. “They’ve always practiced together, worked out together, and to see them play against each other was just a memory that I will never forget.”
Clark Atlanta is looking for their first win against Fort Valley State since 2018. Despite the contest’s history, Darren remains confident, viewing the game as a fresh opportunity for the Panthers. “We haven’t reached our full potential yet,” Stephens said. “This year will be different.”
Darnell, too, is ready for the challenge. “It’s always exciting to play against my brother, but this year, I’m focused on taking my game to the next level.”
The Stephens family will be in attendance on Saturday, donning custom attire featuring both schools. The twin’s mother expressed her feelings on the game, saying, “It’s a win-win for me. I just want to see both of them play their best and enjoy the moment.”
The stakes are higher than ever for the Stephens twins this season. Darnell is aiming to increase his stats and secure all-conference and All-America honors. He sees this season as a culmination of years of hard work. “Our first season with Coach Gibbs, we went 8-2, and the second season we went 7-3, so we’ve been getting close to that mark of being SIAC champions,” Darnell said. “I think this year is about being complete in everything that we do and being focused in everything we do, so we can win a championship.”
Darren, also with the championship game in his sights, is equally determined. “Winning is everything,” said the CAU wide receiver. “If we win, everything else will follow.”
Their father takes immense pride in seeing his sons compete at the HBCU level and has provided them with crucial advice ahead of kickoff. “The only thing left to do now is leave it on the field and be able to walk away from this saying, I did my best, I gave my best and I have no regrets,” he explained. “This is their time to leave it all on the field.”