5-Star Football Recruit Tony Steward: Miami and Alabama Make Big Push

Pedro Menendez linebacker Tony Steward was one of the many coveted prospects in attendance for the Alabama-Florida game in Tuscaloosa on Saturday.

While most experts believe that the 5-star prospect has honed in his search to Florida State and Clemson, the trip to Alabama revealed a couple of interesting folds to this story. 

First, Steward appears to have a greater interest in the Crimson Tide than we've given him credit for, and secondly, Miami has popped back into the picture as the wild card.

While Steward has hinted in the past that his top two choices are FSU and Clemson, Alabama, Florida, UCLA, Rutgers, and now Miami are all in the mix as well.

As for the Crimson Tide, Nick Saban and his coaching staff definitely left a lasting impression on Steward after he watched Alabama dismantle Florida to the tune of 31-6.  

"I met with the coaches and got to know them a little better than before. I'm just trying to establish those relationships. I got a tour of the campus and that was really nice," Steward said. "I got to experience gameday here, and that was nice. It was a great visit."

The weekend trip was an unofficial visit, but it won't be the last time he travels to Tuscaloosa. Steward plans on making official visits to Florida and UCLA in December, then will return to Alabama in January for his official, finishing his tour at Florida State and Clemson later that month. 

Before all that, Steward will get a first-hand taste of one of college football's best rivalries. As a St. Augustine native, it's one he's more than familiar with. 

"I'm going to the Miami/Florida State game this coming weekend," Steward told Scout.com in an interview after his trip to Alabama. "We have a big game against St. Augustine on Friday and then I'll be going down there on Saturday."

Miami hadn't really been in the picture for months, but Steward is considering the Hurricanes again due to a strong relationship with the coaching staff. 

"I've developed a real good relationship with [linebackers] Coach Barrow," he said. "He's a real good guy. They're a small campus and a pretty nice place. I'm excited to get down there and experience it on gameday."

It's still safe to assume that Florida State and Clemson lead the pack, with the Seminoles holding a slight advantage based on Steward's relationships with several committed recruits, but things have opened up again. 

Trips to Alabama and talks with the Crimson Tide coaching staff can do a lot to persuade prospects, as can being a guest on the Miami sideline for the Hurricanes contest against their greatest rivals. 

As is the case with many of the nation's top uncommitted talent, Steward doesn't plan on making his decision until he's made all of his official visits, so don't expect an announcement until much closer to National Signing Day.