Brad Stewart is focused on where he fits in with a football program. The New Orleans, Louisiana native almost quit playing football out of fear from a leg injury he suffered playing basketball.
“I believe the only thing I had to overcome was a time where I broke my leg playing basketball. I couldn’t really run right so I was like ‘I don’t want to play football anymore,’ because I was scared. Once I got through rehab and all of that, I think I [became] good after that.”
He said that after the injury he was able to get more comfortable running and jumping off of his leg. He knew after his freshman year of high school that he could be one of the best players in the nation. According to the 247Sports Composite, he is a four-star cornerback in the 2017 class, the 20th best cornerback and seventh best player in Louisiana. He also sees time at safety and wide receiver.
“I’m looking more toward somewhere I fit the most. So fit wise, talking to the players, having a relationship with the players and the coaches, a place that feels like home and somewhere I can get the opportunity to play as a freshman.”
Stewart has 39 scholarship offers to his name from schools such as Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Alabama, Miami, Texas A&M, Michigan, Missouri and more. He has high interest in all the schools that have offered him. There are no front runners for his services right now and he said he’ll make his commitment decision when the time is right.
“It’s been good. I’m just trying to smooth it all out. I believe I’m blessed to be in the position I was in. So, I just take it all in. Every recruiter that has been recruiting me, when they send messages in the mail I always respond back to them just because I’m happy to have all of these people wanting me. I think it’s just been fun.”
He was one of the leaders of the McDonough 35 Roneagles defense that went 11-3 (0-1 District) but lost in the quarterfinal round of the LSHAA Class 4A state playoffs to Easton High School, 27-26.
“Really, I’m going to miss the players, I’m going to miss all brothers that are on the field with me working hard in the summer. I’m going to miss the school honestly. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be but at the same time, it helped me get where I’m at so I’m just going to miss high school period,” Brad Stewart said about he will miss the most about playing McDonough 35 and what lasting impression he wants to leave.
He plays both safety and cornerback and credits the mental part of his game for his success on defense.
“How smart I am. I kind of know what a receiver is going to run before they run it. I really study film and I play by alignment so I kind of always know and get it right.”
Whenever Brad Stewart’s commitment decision comes, the program that gets him is going to get a good kid. His film shows it and off the field, in speaking with him, he seems like a well-rounded young man.