Tony Steward: Florida State, Clemson and UCLA All Looking Strong
Tony Steward, the 5-star linebacker form Pedro Menendez High School in Florida, recently narrowed his list down to UCLA, Clemson, and Florida State.
He will let his choice be known on National signing day, with all three schools a realistic possibility to land the athletic linebacker's letter of intent signature.
Let's run down all three schools and weigh their chances.
Steward's Strengths
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At first glance, Steward looks like a body builder. A lot of coaches always use the term "Greek God" when seeing a chiseled looking player and we're sure Steward has and will continue to hear that term in regards to himself throughout his playing days.
Steward is an instinctive player with a quick key/diagnose vs. the run. He can really see offensive linemen's sets quickly and challenges the line of scrimmage. He's quick to fill holes and alleys and is physical at the point of attack.
He has the speed and range to get to runs on the perimeter and rarely gets caught in traffic. Stewards has lateral movement, quickness, and hips to cover running backs and tight ends in the passing game.
Steward's Weaknessess
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Steward doesn't have many weaknesses in his game or areas that need dire improvement.
He can get caught peeking in the backfield at times, thus leaving him exposed to play action passing plays. Also, like many high school defenders, he'll need to work on using his hands to shed and escape blocks vs. the run.
Aside from those minor tweaks, learning a college defense, and continued physical growth, Steward is pretty close to being a complete player already.
Finalist No.1: Florida State
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The Seminoles have been on Steward's trail since the jump and really aspire to keep him home. He's currently being recruited by FSU assistant coach Odell Haggins. Steward has returned to affection by saying Florida State is his dream school and will visit next weekend, January 21st.
His favorite player is current Philadelphia Eagles and former Florida State linebacker, Ernie Sims. Interestingly enough, two current 'Nole commits have been doing all they can to get Steward to join them in Karlos Williams and James Wilder.
Steward, Wilder, and Williams on the same defense? Wouldn't want to face that in the ACC.
Finalist No. 2: Clemson
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Steward has also said he is very comfortable at Clemson and is very close with Kevin Steele, the defensive coordinator at Clemson who is the main Tiger coach recruiting him.
Steward has been a keen observer of the Tiger's defense and is a fan of their system and how they play. Steward could play the Mike, Sam, or Will in their 4-3 type defense.
Dabo Swiney and Kevin Steele will really get a chance to show Steward where he fits on the defense this weekend as Steward is headed to Clemson for a visit.
Finalist No. 3: UCLA
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UCLA hosted Steward in early December, and while it is always tough to get a high school player to trek across country for college, the trip to the west coast really surprised the talented linebacker.
Steward stated he really didn't think he'd like L.A. and UCLA as much as he did and he really can see himself playing for the Bruins. He loves the location, the campus, and said UCLA had people he'd like to play for and with.
You hear that? The yelling and commotion? That's the sound of the other 11 Pac-12 schools praying Steward doesn't bolt for the Bruins.
And The Tony Steward Signed Letter Of Intent Goes To...?
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Steward likes UCLA. He loves Clemson. But he will sign with Florida State.
There is always something to be said in recruiting when you hear a player say he's been a childhood fan of a school, that school is recruiting him the hardest, he likes the coaches, it's close to home, and he has friends on the team and committed to the program.
Florida State is that school for Steward which is why we think Florida State will be the school he will sign with on signing day.
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