South Carolina football has been in pursuit of 5-star EDGE Dylan Stewart (Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington DC) for what feels like an eternity. The elite pass rusher is one of the most sought-after prospects in the country in the class of 2024 and has landed an offer from every big-time program in the country.
In recent months, it has become apparent that Stewart’s recruitment has shifted to focus on two schools. South Carolina football and Ohio State would be battling it out to land the dynamic athlete.
Behind the scenes, things have shifted back and forth for Stewart in regard to his thoughts about the two programs. At times, the Gamecocks have been viewed as the favorite. At other times, the Buckeyes appeared to be his leader.
For now, all of the rumors and speculation can end because, on Tuesday, Dylan Stewart announced a commitment to Shane Beamer and the South Carolina football program. In a Twitter graphic from On3’s Hayes Fawcett, Stewart announced his pledge with a simple quote about his new school: “It’s a special place with special people.”
BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ EDGE Dylan Stewart tells me he has Committed to South Carolina!
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 1, 2023
The Top 10 Player in the ‘24 Class chose the Gamecocks over Ohio State, Georgia, & others
“It’s a special place with special people.”https://t.co/o2MgSNe22l pic.twitter.com/gsutOVvhPW
In the hours leading up to Stewart’s commitment, crystal balls and predictions started flooding in for the Gamecocks from various local and national analysts.
Stewart is a 5-star+ prospect meaning that he is considered a 5-star by all four major recruiting outlets (On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals). He was once the top-rated player according to On3. In his high school career, he has played as a hand-in-the-dirt defensive end, a stand-up pass rusher, and even as a traditional linebacker in certain packages.
His best trait as a player is his elite athleticism and relentless motor. Last season as a junior, Stewart tallied 16 sacks and disrupted many more plays as he proved to be too much of a freak to be blockable at the high school level.
Stewart is the highest-rated recruit of the Shane Beamer era in Columbia and the highest-rated Gamecock commitment since Jordan Burch, Zacch Pickens, or even Jadeveon Clowney depending on which recruiting outlet one is checking.
You can watch some of his film here.