Maurice Stovall grew up in Radnor, Pennsylvania where he played football and ran track at Archbishop Carroll High School. His father, Maurice Stovall, Sr. played football at Cheyney University. Maurice served as team captain and set records in the 200 and 400 meter events on his way to two all-state selections on the track team. Stovall played both receiver and free safety for a football team that had a 39-3 record and two division titles during his four years on the squad. As a senior, Stovall caught 39 passes for 743 yards and scored 9 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball he recorded 50 tackles, 1 sack, and 11 interceptions that year. He returned 5 of the 11 interceptions for touchdowns. He also averaged 38 yards per punt return that season, taking 4 of his 11 returns back for touchdowns. As a receiver, Stovall finished his high school career with 50 receptions for 1,176 yards and 15 touchdowns. He was a first team All-State and All-American selection and was named Co-Catholic league player of the year as a senior. He was a student sports all-American and was selected to play in all star games such as Pennsylvania’s big 33 game and the U.S. Army all-American bowl. Maurice was considered to be one of the top prospects in the country and signed to play at Notre Dame upon graduation. Maurice failed to meet the high expectations that were put on him his first three years in South Bend. His best season up to that point was his sophomore year when he caught 22 balls for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns. With the arrival of an offensive minded coach, Charlie Weis, Stovall finally blossomed his senior year. He more than doubled his previous season highs in every category with 60 receptions, 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns. His performance as a senior has really helped him move up the draft boards recently.

Maurice Stovall has excellent size for a receiver. His size allows him to defeat the jam at the line of scrimmage as well as position himself to make the catch. His 6-5 frame combined with his excellent vertical leap allow him to go up and get the ball against most defenders. He does most of his damage over the middle and does a good job of catching the ball at it’s highest point. His size makes him a great redzone target, but it also makes him an effective blocker as well. He needs to work on running more precise routes and learn to catch the ball with his hands better. He tries to catch too many passes with his body. Once he catches the ball he is able to break tackles and get some yards after the catch, but he isn’t very elusive in the open field. The only other problem with Stovall is he lacks great speed and may have problems creating separation against faster defensive backs at the professional level. Maurice is just beginning to realize his full potential. In addition to all the physical tools he has, he is also an intelligent player and a good leader. He has a chance to be a first day pick with a good performance in his pre-draft workouts.