ARCHIVED FROM FOOTBALL IN OHIO – STEWART SIGNED WITH NOTRE DAME COLLEGE
College coaches may not think about Wilmington (Ohio) High School when they think of college prospects. However, senior offensive lineman Andrew Stewart continues working to change that.
Football In Ohio recently spoke with Stewart about his senior year and more.
Is it hard to believe your senior season is in the final stages?
“It is,” said Stewart. “It seems like just a few days ago, we were going through summer workouts, and now we’ve just finished Week Seven of the season. It’s gone too quick.”
We’ve watched over the past couple of seasons as Stewart stepped forward as a player to watch. So what has changed during his prep career?
“I feel like I’ve improved a lot, stressed Stewart. “When I started playing varsity, I knew what I was to do. But I was just out there making blocks. Now I’m out there learning more about the game, using the correct footwork, and moving people as I’ve never had. So I feel I’ve improved a lot and still have a lot of room to improve.”
Like all of the Class of 2022, Stewart saw summer of 2020 college football camps shut down. So how was it to have a chance to get out this past summer?
“It was great being able to get out to camps,” he said. “While I was not sure we’d have them, I knew that was how I would have a chance for colleges to see me.
“I thought I had some stuff to show them and felt they wouldn’t see it if I didn’t go to them. So it was nice to have a chance to get out and show coaches what I could do.”
What camps did you get a chance to attend?
“I attended Youngstown State and felt I did pretty well,” continued Stewart. “I also participated at the Mega Camp held at Ferris State and did well there. Ball State was another camp I left feeling I did well at.”
According to Stewart, two programs stepped forward.
“I did an individual workout at Marshall for Coach (Eddy) Morrissey,” he said. “I felt that may have been my best performance. As a result, Marshall offered me a Prefered Walk-on spot.
“Another camp I did well at was at Tiffin. Coach (Tyler) Johns is great, and they offered me a scholarship.”
What did Stewart learn about the football program at Marshall when he was there?
“When I went to Marshall, you could tell it was on a whole different level, he said. “I’ve always dreamed about playing at a school like Marshall, but you learn there is more to it than just playing the game when you go there.
“You understand how hard you’re going to work in the off-season, how hard you’re going to work in the weight room. So it meant a lot they offered me an opportunity cause I feel I can play there, which boosted my confidence after getting that.
“I look forward to getting over for a game soon.”
What caught his attention during his visit to Tiffin?
“I feel I’m building a great relationship with offensive line Coach Johns,” he said. “I went on a game day visit to Marian University against Tiffin, and coach saw me and nodded and smiled. I’ve never been to a Tiffin game on their campus and look forward to visiting. But they showed me a lot the day I was there.
“I was surprised by everything Tiffin had. When it comes to getting a solid education and all the tools needed to play at a high level, they have it all. I look forward to visiting there later this month.”
What is Stewart looking for in a college?
“I’m looking for a program that excels in Sports Management,” he stressed. “I also look at the people who came before me and the success they’ve had and if they’ve stayed connected to the school by giving back. I feel if they are, that means they enjoyed a solid experience during their time there.”
Football In Ohio had a chance to catch Stewart in action a few weeks ago and like what he brings to the field. At the college level, we’d expect Stewart to play guard or center. However, one of his major strengths is his ability to pull, showing excellent feet and quickness. Like most high school offensive linemen, Stewart plays high at times. However, he offers a solid base with the ability to anchor, has great brute strength in his punch that will only get better as he continues to improve on technique. We feel Stewart will play his best football at the next level.
