Dylan Stewart is still in the middle of his first season with South Carolina, but many would think he is in his third or fourth season with the Gamecocks with the way he is playing.
The five-star EDGE rusher out of Washington, D.C., is putting together one of the most impressive seasons by a true freshman in a long time. Currently, Edwards is on track to break the South Carolina freshman record for sacks by Jadeveon Clowney, which is eight, as Stewarts currently sits at 5.5 sacks. The young freshman has also emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the SEC.
Players right now are focusing on football, but universities are working on how to keep the best players in the building. Clearly, Stewart is one South Carolina wants to keep around as long as possible, South Carolina's NIL collective Garnet Trust is working on negotiating with Stewart's group to try and make sure Stewart remains a Gamecock.
Right now, sources are saying Stewart could bring in $1 to $1.5 million on his second-year deal. Stewart could be making seven figures playing college football before he ever turns 20 years old, which is absolutely insane, but with the way he is playing, he has earned it.
There is still a lot to work out as to how exactly Stewart will be paid, but with revenue sharing beginning on July 1, 2025, the school will be able to work on paying that out of the $20.5 million they are able to share with their athletes.
Stewart was the third-ranked EDGE rusher coming out of the Class of 2024 and had offers from big schools such as Georgia, Miami, and Ohio State. However, head coach Shane BEamer was able to bag his biggest recruit at this point in his career and it is paying off. On3 reranked the 2024 class and with the way he has played this season, Stewart earned the new No 1 spot.
NEW: Re-ranking the 5-stars from the 2024 recruiting cycle⭐️
— On3 (@On3sports) November 7, 2024
(via @CharlesPower)
View: https://t.co/quydXiw7bs pic.twitter.com/CM4HTtx5Ym
The South Carolina defense has been so dominant this year, thanks to the great play of Stewart. The USC defense has recorded 31 sacks this season, which is the third most in college football.
Stewart still has four games left this season to earn even more honors and continue to prove he is the best in his position, no matter how old he is. If South Carolina can give him his bag and keep him in Columbia for a little while longer, the Gamecocks could become a very dangerous team.