'Stone-cold lock' for Ravens surprise performer, who leads NFL in interceptions

BALTIMORE - If we're nominating candidates for the Ravens' "surprise player" of the season, safety Geno Stone is a stone-cold lock for the recognition.

Stone, a sixth-round draft pick who was released by the Ravens three years ago, now leads the NFL with four interceptions.

How does that happen?  

It takes persistence and skill.

Stone played special teams and filled in as a backup last year.

He has gotten more starts, and opportunities, which has led to interceptions and impressive returns.

Although, when asked, quarterback Lamar Jackson wasn't impressed by Stone's return skills.

"His moves, they were pretty good, but I told him he had no vision," Jackson said. "He should have kept running toward our sideline. I believe Jadeveon Clowney was there for a lead block. He didn't follow the block and ended up getting tackled. He needs to work on that, but I am glad he caught the pick."

What Jackson didn't know is that Stone was a star quarterback at New Castle High School in Pennsylvania.

"I was decent," Stone said. "I accounted for over 40 touchdowns, for whatever that means, but I was first-team all-state defensive back, so I always think of myself as a defensive player in high school rather than an offensive player in high school but I did as much as I could with the offense."

Stone is humble. He was an all-state safety who played quarterback, wide receiver, running back and returned punts.

"I played returner, I try to use those skills a little bit," Stone said. "I try to sneak in there and say, 'If you want to use two returners on punt return, I will go back there.' I try to do as much as I can when I get the ball in my hands."

Stone said that baseball is another part of his athletic background. He played centerfield where he learned to track the ball like a kick returner or a defensive back closing in on an interception.

That's a lesson to young athletes. Play multiple sports. They can all add to your skill-set.