Stewart and family feel wanted by the Florida Gators

There is a long list of names on the Florida Gators recruiting board at defensive back. The Gators are hoping to land some big-time targets in the 2017 class to fill some of the depth that will be lost at the position after this season.

Cornerback Brad Stewart (6-0, 194, McDonogh 35 High School, New Orleans, LA) is one of the names on that list and enjoyed his visit to The Swamp this weekend.

It’s no secret, it is nearly impossible to pull guys out of Louisiana, but Stewart might be the one to break that mold. Stewart recently received an offer from LSU, but said they have a lot of ground to make up before he will consider them. With LSU taking so long to offer, he is a bit sour on the subject. “For the past two years my focus has been on leaving,” said Stewart on leaving his home state.

Tim Skipper has been one of Stewart’s main recruiters. “He’s (Tim Skipper) telling me I would look good in the orange and blue,” said Stewart.

Defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is working to get as many guys as possible to come in and compete for starting positions next season. “They want a lot of recruits to come in and compete for a chance to play as a true freshman,” Stewart explained.

Stewart said he is not bothered by having to come in and compete with multiple cornerbacks. He likes that he would have an opportunity to play early in his career at Florida. “It factors big time,” Stewart said of early playing time. “Wherever I’ve got an equal chance to come and play and not having to wait, that’ll be where I go.”

Another huge factor for Stewart is to go to a school where his mom feels welcome. He said Florida has done that for her. “She likes the coaches,” said Stewart. “She likes that she feels like she’s important and also I’m important too.” Jim McElwain and the rest of the Florida coaching staff are working hard to make Florida a family-friendly atmosphere.

Stewart said he can see himself playing football for the Gators and distance is not a factor at all for himself or his family. “I think my parents are good wherever we go, they wouldn’t have a problem with it.”

Stewart named his top five schools this weekend. He said Florida, Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn, and Tennessee are at the top of this list. At this point, LSU is nowhere in the picture for Stewart.

INSIDERS TAKE from Andrew: Florida is in good shape for Stewart following this visit, both Stewart and his mom enjoyed the visit. The Gators are expected to receive a return visit from Stewart this fall. 

Bailiegh Carlton
A lifelong sports fan, Bailiegh Carlton knew from a young age that she wanted to work in sports in some capacity. Before transferring to the University of Florida to study journalism, she played softball at Gulf Coast State College. She then interned for Gator Country for three years as she worked toward her degree. After graduation, Bailiegh decided to explore other opportunities in the world of sports, but all roads led her right back here. In her time away, she and her husband welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. When she isn't working, she can almost always be found snuggled up with sweet baby Ridley, Cody and her four fur babies.