Since Ryan Nassib, Alec Lemon, and Marcus Sales graduated from Syracuse two years ago, the Orange has been looking for an answer at wide receiver.  The passing game has struggled mightily without a defined quarterback and a crew of decent receivers.  While this past season’s numbers were certainly an encouragement compared to 2013, Syracuse still needs to recruit to fix its passing game.
Late in the cycle, it appears SU is pursuing Brad Stewart, a receiver out of Savannah, GA.  The three star-recruit played both wide receiver and safety in high school, and is a playmaker, something the Orange desperately needs on the outside.  He would instantly rank as one of the recruiting class of 2015’s top players.  At 6-foot-1, 190 pounds, Stewart definitely has room to bulk up, but his size and ability was on display in senior games at the Georgia Dome this winter.
Smaller schools like Army, Appalachian State, and Georgia Southern previously offered Stewart scholarships.  However, he has recently drawn interest from hometown Georgia Tech, who, as you may recall, vaulted itself into the top of the ACC and AP poll this year.  The Yellow Jackets figure to be the biggest competition for the Orange down the road, and have recently offered Stewart delayed enrollment, or a “grey shirt” offer because of lack of scholarships.
Before getting ahead of ourselves, however, remember that Stewart is just starting to get serious attention from Tim Lester, the Orange’s offensive coordinator.  He may be visiting SU on Jan. 30, crunch time right before National Signing Day, which is definitely a good sign.  But, the Orange will have to wow Stewart on his official visit to really have a chance at getting the talented wide receiver.  The team already has two commitments from Georgian players, safety Christopher Frederick and defensive tackle Tyler Cross.
With the weakness the team currently faces at receiver, it’s a wonder that the coaching staff hasn’t recruited any players on the outside.  Stewart’s potential commitment would mean more than just a regular commitment would because it would fill a hole left by KJ Williams.  At this point, the only wide out on the roster to get excited over is rising sophomore Steve Ishmael, who put up some pretty decent numbers in his freshman season considering the team’s stagnant offense.
Fans should definitely keep a watch on Stewart in the coming week because he is a player that could make an immediate impact next year.
Posted:  Jason Weingold
