Stewart sees early playing time with the Florida Gators

Florida Gators running backs coach Tim Skipper has racked up the frequent flyer miles going from California on Sunday to New Orleans on Monday night.

On Monday night he had an in-home visit with cornerback Brad Stewart (6-0, 185, New Orleans, LA. McDonogh 35) and his family.

“It all went good, he sat down with my parents and my family,” Stewart said of Skipper’s in-home visit. “We already have a connection with each other so there really isn’t that much to speak on. We were really just catching up.”

Skipper has built a solid relationship with Stewart and his family but Monday night was a chance to build it even further.

“Really we were just getting to know each other a bit more and the same football stuff,” he said. “He was just telling me that they still want me as a corner and I’m cool with that because I’m a better corner.”

Stewart has said in the past that he would like the chance to play early and that was a message Skipper sent to him on Monday night.

“He told me that with the people they have leaving that I can play early,” Stewart said. “He tells me that they need guys like me to come and contribute early on. It’s something that he tells me.”

Defensive backs coach Torrian Gray is also involved in Stewart’s recruitment as they talk on a weekly basis.

“I always touch base with Coach Gray, at least once a week we talk,” he said. “He tells me basically the same thing and we just catch up. He’s been telling me about the season and he said things just didn’t go right but they’re ready for next season.”

The Gators aren’t the only SEC school trying to get Stewart as two other conference schools play other schools are after the cornerback.

“I’ve talking to a lot of schools and a lot of schools want to visit,” Stewart said. “Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi State, TCU, Kansas, Arizona State and Kansas State have all come by to see me. I wasn’t at home when Mississippi State came by.”

Last Friday night was Stewart’s last high school game so the New Orleans prospect is now able to focus on official visits.

“My first official visit is this weekend to Arizona State,” he said. “I have one set up to Arkansas in January and I have to plan the other two visits. I should be doing those soon.”

Despite not having his official visit to Florida set up, Stewart says his interest in the Gators remains the same.

“My interest in Florida is still high,” Stewart said. “They’re still one of my top schools right now.”

 

INSIDERS TAKE: Stewart doesn’t give much away when talking about his top schools but the Gators, Arkansas, and Mississippi State have been the teams linked to him the most. Expect Stewart to set up an official to Florida for January.

Andrew Spivey
Andrew always knew he wanted to be involved with sports in some capacity. He began by coaching high school football for six years before deciding to pursue a career in journalism. While coaching, he was a part of two state semifinal teams in the state of Alabama. Given his past coaching experience, he figured covering recruiting would be a perfect fit. He began his career as an intern for Rivals.com, covering University of Florida football recruiting. After interning with Rivals for six months, he joined the Gator Country family as a recruiting analyst. Andrew enjoys spending his free time on the golf course and watching his beloved Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Twitter at @AndrewSpiveyGC.