Getting to Know: Brad Stewart
During Florida's strong finish to the 2017 recruiting cycle, one that saw 10 Gators announce their commitments in a span of roughly five days, one of the first Gators to commit to UF was four-star defensive back Brad Stewart.
On his official visit to UF the weekend before National Signing Day, Stewart pulled the trigger that Saturday, after the Gators had long showed interest in him. Stewart, who plans on majoring in communications at Florida, is part of a six-member group of defensive backs from the 2017 class set to arrive on campus in late June for the start of Summer B classes.
Although the 6-foot, 195-pound Stewart does not know yet which position he'll see most of his time at during his freshman season at Florida, the New Orleans native out of McDonogh 35 High School offers the versatility to contribute at cornerback, nickel and/or safety.
Today, it's time to learn a little bit more about Stewart on a personal level in this edition of Getting to Know.
I know you were looked at by a bunch of different schools, but what led you to choose to come to Florida?
“I feel like that was the spot for me. From my first visit I went up there, I just always liked Florida. You know they’re on the come-up with a couple things, DBU. It’s a school that knows it’s going to be good and you’ve got a high chance of going to the league. So really, all of that came into play together.”
Take us through the process that led to your commitment. What was that like for you?
“For my official I didn’t plan on committing, but once I got up there it just felt like the right moment. Once I put the uniform and stuff on, I called Coach Mac during the official together. Then, I told him I was going to commit.”
Which school came in second for you and why?
“I’ve got to say it was probably Mississippi State or TCU. They were two solid teams. You go to TCU, and you’ve got a chance of going into the Final Four just because of the conference. All you’ve got to do is just get past Oklahoma. With Mississippi State, we just were always tight, just from when I first started being recruited. They had a few coaching changes, though, that I wasn’t too fond of, so that didn’t work out.”
What did you like the most about the recruiting process?
“The officials, you get to eat a lot of food and have a bit of fun besides football. You don’t have to worry, you’ve got schools wanting you to come and treating you like a king. So, that’s probably the most fun part.”
What about the least?
“When things got a little tight and it was time to commit. Yeah, I think every athlete gets to that point where it’s like, ‘Uh, everybody’s calling. Everybody wants to set up and meet.’ You’ve really got to focus on football around that time."
What would you say are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
“It would probably be my film study. I’m a real focused person. I don’t get distracted by too many things.”
What do you really want to work on the most when you get to UF?
“Well me not knowing what I’m going up there to go play, whether it’s strong safety or free or corner or nickel, I think the thing I need to work on the most is just staying high, playing up free, playing up over the top and everything. But, honestly I don’t know yet what I’m going to play, so I can’t give you the real answer.”
Which spot do you feel the most comfortable at?
“I feel it would be corner, just because it’s only three things to do when it’s a certain down and distance. That’s one thing I’m good at doing, watching film and knowing what route they’re going to run, what they like to do.”
Who has been the biggest role model for you in your life?
“My uncle.”
If you could meet one person in the world, who would that be?
“It would probably be Ed Reed.”
Which NFL player would you compare your talents to?
“Marcus Peters. He’s a playmaker. He’s always around the ball and knows how to defend his guy and he’s real physical. That’s who I model my game after.”
If you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft, what would be your first purchase?
“It’d be getting my mother whatever it is she wants.”
Which item can you not live without?
“My phone. I need my phone.”
What is your favorite music type and artist?
“I like the group Migos, that’s like all I listen to.”
What is your favorite movie?
“It would probably be The Expendables.”
Favorite TV show?
“My favorite TV shows are Lost and Get Down.”
Do you have a special talent/skill outside of football?
“I can do backflips, front flips, kick flips. I’ve done it since I was a kid.”
What are three things you have on your bucket list?
“Finishing Florida with my degree, hopefully becoming a freshman All-American and after that being drafted.”
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