The Gators hosted several defensive backs for junior days this past weekend including 2026 four-star safety Blake Stewart out of Atlanta, Georgia. With defensive backs Coach Will Harris having success in his first season with Florida, the Gators look to be in play for several top defensive backs in the 2026 class heading into the month of February.
“I talked to the coaches, and they wanted me here. I wanted to check it out, I’ve never been here before. I actually loved it here and the way the coaches talk to us, I just finished talking to the head coach. I just loved everything about it,” Stewart said about his visit.
Coach Will Harris is a big fan of Stewart and what he brings to the table. The four-star defensive back is the type of player Harris is looking for.
“He said he loved my film, loves my play style and how well I would fit in. He also taught me some things during team meetings and the way he likes it.”
The Woodward Academy defensive back is a prospect that can be placed anywhere on the field. Stewart’s versatility is above average and should set him apart from your typical safety prospect.
“I’m very versatile and can be moved all over, play all positions and can fit where I’m needed,” Stewart said on where the staff wants him to play. “They were saying the star position and corner. Just fit in, cover, make tackles and make plays on the ball.”
The biggest advice Stewart took away from Coach Harris was simple; keep working hard and the rest will follow.
“His message was to just keep it up, keep doing what I’m doing and stay out of trouble,” Stewart said. “Don’t let the process rush me and just take my time throughout the process.”
The 5-11.5, 170-pounder is currently listed as the No. 23 safety and No. 313 overall prospect in the 2026 class. While also playing basketball and baseball at Woodward Academy for two years, Stewart totaled 112 total tackles (72 solo), 11 passes defended, four tackles for loss, three interceptions, one fumble recovery and a blocked field goal.
As the dead period approaches in just a few weeks, Stewart plans to visit Texas on the 25th of January but has no visits currently set following the dead period. The four-star prospect holds a total of 21 offers and will gather a list of top schools once the dead period concludes.