Recruiting Spotlight: SS/CB Brad Stewart, McDonogh 35

Recruiting Spotlight: SS/CB Brad Stewart, McDonogh 35

by Jace LeJeune and Alex Martin

The New Orleans area is rich with football talent on the offensive and defensive side of the football, and if you look at McDonogh 35, they have one of the most talented players at his position in Brad Stewart. Along with Kevin Berthey and Joseph Fouca, the McDonogh 35 secondary was one of the strongest in the state in 2016. This season, Stewart put up some ridiculous numbers such as 111 tackles, 13 pass breakups, and 11 interceptions. A lot of high school defensive backs do not even get multiple interceptions in a career much less a season. What Stewart did this year was incredible, but it was not a huge surprise to a lot of people including Louisiana Football Magazine Editor and T.V. Host Lee Brecheen.

“Brad  Stewart is the best safety that I saw in Louisiana in 2016,” Brecheen said. “He is tough and could be a future All-American. He is the kind of kid that makes wide receivers think twice about catching the ball because you will get hit.”

Brad Stewart is a very special talent because he is a hard hitter, a ball hawk, and can play safety as well as cornerback. This season, the Roneagles made it pretty far in the playoffs going all the way to the semifinals where they lost to another New Orleans team with talented players in Edna Karr. The LSWA 4A defensive player of the year racked up a lot of postseason awards and accomplishments, and now that his football career is over, he now focuses on what college he will play next year as he has a lot of offers from prestigious D-1 programs such as Florida, Alabama, and USC. Louisiana Football Magazine’s own Alex Martin caught up with the big time defensive back from McDonogh 35 to talk about his high school career, recruiting, his hobbies, and so much more in today’s recruiting spotlight!

 

LAFM: What is your name, age, position, and school you play for?

Brad J. Stewart Jr., 18, DB, McDonogh 35 High School.

LAFM: What is your height and weight?

6’1, 200lbs

LAFM: What is your ACT score and GPA?

ACT 24, GPA 3.0

LAFM: What is your max bench press, max squat max, vertical, and 40-yard time?

Bench press: 300lbs, squat: 350, vertical: 40’, and 40-yard dash: 4.50

LAFM: What are some of your accomplishments throughout your career?

I started as a freshman and ever since I was named 9-4A MVP, 2016 All-Metro Defensive Player of the year, and 2015 honorable mention All-Metro.

LAFM: What are your strengths as a Defensive Back?

I study film which gives me the ability to read plays and get to the ball. When I’m at CB, I study the receiver to know his strengths and weaknesses. When I’m at safety, I read the QB’s eyes, checks, and tendency.

LAFM: What are some areas to your game that you need to improve on?

I know there is always room for improvement, so I’m always working on improving my overall game.

LAFM: What are your top schools as of right now?

Florida, Virginia Tech, USC, Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas.

LAFM: What are some things that you look at when you look at colleges?

I’m looking to play as a true freshman, somewhere where I have a good relationship with the coaches and players, and somewhere where my family feels comfortable also.

LAFM: What are some things that you do when you are not playing football?

I like to relax at home and just chill, play Madden, and work out.

LAFM: What was your best game while at McDonogh 35 and why does it stand out to you?

My best game occurred on September 3, 2016  vs. St. Augustine. It was the 1^st game of the season. I had a great game with two interceptions including one for a pick six. I also scored on offense while being double covered. It was a great way to start my senior season.

LAFM: Who is the college or NFL defensive back that you model your game after and why?

Marcus Peters (former Washington Huskie and current Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro cornerback) is who I model my game after because he is a play maker, a game changer, and a pick magnet.

LAFM: What was your favorite team growing up and why was that your favorite team?

Florida Gators and the New Orleans Saints

LAFM: What is your favorite pre-game meal?

Spaghetti Surprise is my favorite meal. My mom has cooked the pre-game meal for McDonogh 35 since my freshmen year.

LAFM: Who is you favorite music artist that you listen to before every game?

Kodak Black and Lil Dirk

LAFM: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I pray before every game.

LAFM: What is an interesting fact about yourself that we don’t know about?

I’m a boring person.

LAFM: Is there anybody in your family that has played high school, college, or even pro football? If so, who is it and where did he play?

My uncle Patrick Robertson played at Hebron High School, Murray State, Edmonton Eskimos and Hamilton TigerCats which were both Canadian football league teams. My stepfather played for St. Augustine High School, and my uncle Andrew Jilles played for John Ehret High School.

LAFM: Do you want to give a shout out to all the people that helped you get in the position that you are in today?

I want to give a shout out to Coach Reese, Coach Daggs, and Coach Landry who brought me to McDonogh 35 as well as a special shout out to my mother Jackie Baham-Robertson and stepfather Nick Robertson who have both been there every step of the way, and myself for working hard and staying dedicated to the game.

 

(Interview done by Alex Martin)

Alex is from Cut Off, LA and is attending Louisiana State University and majoring in Sports administration with a minor in Business. He is also a graduate from South Lafourche High School. While at South Lafourche, Alex played baseball for the Tarpons earning All-District and All-Region honors. On weekends, Alex is a little league baseball coach and enjoys training youth baseball. At home, Alex enjoys time with family and friends.