Photo via CFL.ca

Lindell Stone last stepped off the field wearing a U.S. National Team jersey in 2016, but that was just one of many steps that allowed Stone to keep playing the game he loves.

With the 6-foot, 200-pound University of Virginia quarterback gearing up for spring practice, he looked back at his freshman year with the Cavaliers.

"The most impactful moment for me was the first time we ran out of the tunnel at my first college game. Even though I didn't play, I was just like, 'Wow, I've dreamed about this my entire life, and now I'm finally here."

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Stone supported his teammates from the sidelines most of his freshman campaign, but got a chance to take the field in late October against Boston College. While the 41-10 loss was far from ideal, Stone was happy to get his first snap as a college quarterback. 

"It was really humbling. It makes you realize how everyone has contributed to you being where you are today, and all the work you've put in." Stone said. "When you get on the field, you kind of forget about everything else and it just feels like you're back home at your high school or middle school and it's just football. Nothing really changes. Once you step between the lines, you realize it's all the same game."

Photo via Newsplex

So how has Stone adjusted to being a college QB, and someone looked to by teammates for guidance and leadership? It's something that comes naturally.

"The more experience I have with it, I'll get more and more comfortable. Leadership has to be on and off the field. It has nothing to do with your athletic ability. The best leaders are going to be the people you respect the most, and I think that really starts off the field," he said. "The U.S. National Team did a great job of that. Yes, football is important and will open a lot of doors for you, but at the end of the day, you earn people's respect off the football field and in the community."

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Stone knows he wouldn't be where he is without hard work, and support from those around him and the coaches he's played for. Stone has one piece of advice for players looking to take the next step at the collegiate level. 

"Control what you can control. You can always control your attitude, your behavior and how you perform academically," he said. "Coaches can coach you to become a better football player, a better athlete, but it's a lot harder for them to teach someone how to become a better person."