South Carolina's defense keeps getting more and more scary as we inch closer to the fall. Rising sophomore EDGE Dylan Stewart had a breakout season in 2024 with a dominant freshman campaign. Well, it seems that Athlon Sports recently took notice. Athlon Sports' preseason All-American team features Stewart as one of only four first-team defensive linemen nationwide. It is a huge honor for the 6-foot-5 DL and the Gamecocks. Stewart is joined by Clemson's TJ Parker and Peter Woods, as well as Texas' Colin Simmons. His inclusion in the list was far from as surprise, and as Athlon put it, Stewart was "picked up first-team honors" on an All-American squad loaded with talent.
In Stewart's true freshman year, he racked up 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. His production on the field ranked among the nation's best for underclassmen. In fact, Stewart was credited with 51 quarterback pressures last season, which tied him for second among all returning Power Four edge rushers. NFL scouts have noticed Stewart as well. PFF praised Stewart as the "freakiest athlete the Gamecocks have had at EDGE since Jadeveon Clowney." They also rated him as the second-best returning edge rusher in the country.
Last season, Stewart collected multiple accolades, including SEC and national Defensive Freshman of the Year as creating pressure has become the norm for him on the field. His efforts also helped his former defensive line teammates, including Kyle Kennard, put up big numbers for the Gamecocks. It seems that the South Carolina defense has an All-American in the making.
With Stewart anchoring the edge, the Gamecocks' defense enters their 2025 campaign with high expectations. National buzz is already surrounding Shane Beamer and his squad, with LaNorris Sellers, and analysts are now expecting Stewart to bring the heat on opposing offenses. Athlon Sports even predicts that Stewart will "hold down a defense" that lost five NFL Draft picks. If he can continue on this trajectory, Stewart will be one of the nation's most feared defenders.
Dylan Stewart is aimed to become the poster child for next-level Gamecock football. He brings generational talent, combining size, speed, and pass-rush technique. The upcoming season will showcase his raw talent and make opposing linemen and quarterbacks very nervous.