Tony Steward: Clemson and Florida State Are 'Dead Even'

Tony Steward is a 5-star linebacker prospect from Pedro Menendez (FL) who is so good that legendary linebacker Dick Butkus paid him a visit to speak with him.

He has gone through the recruiting process and narrowed his choices to childhood favorite Florida State and Clemson. UCLA remains third in the Steward sweepstakes at the moment. Steward tripped to Clemson this week and had a blast.

Let's see what else is new with the super talented second level defender.

Back from Clemson Visit

Steward arrived at Clemson early Saturday morning and said he loved his visit there.

"I'd rank it a 10," he told Rivals.com. While he is from Florida and used to great weather, he wasn't intimidated by the snow around campus.

He brought his family with him on the visit and also saw Tony McNeal and new Tiger pledge Jeoffrey Pagan on the visit as well. Dabo Swinney and Kevin Steele sat him down and laid out the plan they envision for him as a Tiger. Steward could easily fit in at any linebacker spot in Clemson's scheme.

"I loved every bit of it," Steward said.

Clemson Tiger fans, there is a great chance Steward could be wearing orange and purple for the next four years.

A Seminole Dream

Steward has long professed his love for FSU and how he has been a fan since his early childhood. Florida State is the in-state and hometown program, and it's no secret that Jimbo Fisher has the program back on the rise. His all-time favorite player is Ernie Sims, a former Seminole linebacker.

Playing time would not be an issue for Steward in Tallhassee. They could deploy him around the second level, especially at sam where he could play like Michael Beasley of the New York Giants. Steward is athletic enough to easily cover tight ends up the seams and running backs underneath.

Against the run, Steward could use his instincts to challenge head-on runs and his range to pursue ball carriers sideline to sideline. FSU will have him in for this weekend.

Steward's Immediate Impact Won't Be on Defense

As great of a linebacker Steward is and will be, his immediate impact will not be on defense.

Steward will be a great special teams player, especially on coverage units. His athletic ability, speed, quickness, change-of-direction ability and tenacity will push him to the top of the depth charts on kickoff and punt units as a true freshman.

Imagine yourself as a kickoff or punt returner. You field the ball and look at the oncoming rush and see a 6'2", 230-pound Steward barreling downhill at you at full speed with a head of steam. Makes me glad I don't play anymore myself.

Where Does This Leave UCLA?

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 21: Head Coach Rick Neuheisel of the UCLA Bruins watches the game agianst the Oregon Ducks on October 21, 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

UCLA looks to be trailing in third place right now, with distance likely playing a big factor in the Bruins' reason for being behind FSU and Clemson.

Steward did really enjoy his visit to Westwood and loves the idea of being on the west coast. The campus, location, city of Los Angeles and chance to be the next Akeem Ayers are just a few of the draws UCLA has.

Yet right now, it seems like Florida State and Clemson are the two favorites to land Steward on signing day.

Who Will Steward Play For?

Recently, Steward told Rivals, "It's 50/50 with Clemson and the Seminoles. I'll announce my decision on signing day."

Last week, I predicted with vast confidence that Florida State would be Steward's choice. Now, I'm not as as confident due to Steward glowing about his Clemson visit. He's slated to visit Tallahassee this weekend, and Florida State is the childhood favorite and in-state school, but don't count out Clemson.

I still think FSU wins out, but would not be shocked if he bolts for the Tigers.