Tyler, Texas - When Texas offered OnTexasFootball 4-star running back Rickey Stewart at Junior Day January 20, it was truly the dream offer.
A week later, head coach Steve Sarkisian and area recruiter Blake Gideon made a stop at Chapel Hill.
“He (Sarkisian) was talking about that D (Demetrius Brisbon Jr.) and I are great players, and that he doesn’t come see guys in person that often,” Stewart told OnTexasFootball Wednesday. “He was saying how special we are. Smart kids, competitive. He said he wanted to see Demetrius and I back on campus this spring. We were just talking, and having a good time.”
Running backs coach Tashard Choice has also been in constant communication.
“We talk once or twice a week," he said. "He sends me workout stuff, and for me stuff to do to get better. He will ask me how the family is doing, and then asks when I’m coming to see him again. The relationship for Coach Choice is more important than football. Bonding with each other.”
Stewart's January 20 visit was his first time in Austin.
“It was exciting," he said. "It’s a great place to be. I was too happy. It was an experience that I haven’t felt before.
"I hadn’t really had the chance to see the campus, meet some of the players and coaches and see Coach Sark’s office. That office is big! That day, we were talking about the basketball game. He told me my film was great, I’m a smart kid and gave me an offer. And said it was committable. We had a great talk in his office.”
Stewart, a one-time verbal to SMU, isn’t shy about his feeling towards Texas.
“Really, what stands out is the place in general," he said of UT. "The coaches, Coach Choice and everything really. That’s really my dream school. That was the school I was waiting for. I made my momma proud. Everyone at her job was excited.”
The East Texas star said Coach Choice told him the Longhorns would take two running backs in the 2025 class.
Schools still in pursuit of Stewart despite Texas' instant ascension are Baylor, SMU, Oklahoma State and some communication by Oregon. Stewart currently sports 21 offers.
Stewart by the numbers
Stewart is part of a junior class at Chapel Hill that has been winners in every sport. He rushed for 2,855 yards on 271 carries (10.5 per tote) with 40 touchdowns, along with 18 receptions for 284 yards and four scores as a junior. That was after a standout sophomore season of 236 carries for 2,262 yards (9.6 per carry) and 20 scores in 2022.
Stewart also delivered against the top competition on the schedule:
Vs. Gilmer - 19 carries for 278 yards and a TD
Vs. Van - 19 carries for 195 yards and 4 TD’s
Vs. El Campo (playoffs) - 16 carries for 222 yards and 3 TD’s
Vs. Kilgore (playoffs) - 32 carries for 230 yards and a TD
Vs. Davenport (playoffs) - 28 carries for 220 yards and 3 TD’s
His three year totals are 630 carries for 6,098 yards (9.7 per carry) with 64 touchdowns, and 28 receptions for 400 yards and six scores in 31 games.
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